A 41-year-old mom is walking 6,000 miles to raise awareness about the rare disease that suddenly took her daughter's life. She is also hoping to raise money to help the charity, which is associated with the hospital where her child died.
Natalia from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire said her five-old-daughter, Elizabeth Spencer started feeling unwell on Nov. 21 last year. She said her child was suffering from flu-like symptoms including headache and fever. Hence, she didn't mind it because she thought it was just a cold.
However, on the following day, Elizabeth suddenly collapsed and was rushed to A&E, where she was placed in an induced coma. But was later transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital, where she was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, an extremely rare autoimmune condition. And apparently, her condition shut down all of her major organs and cut off the blood supply to her limbs.
After 18 days on life support at the medical facility, the youngster died on Dec. 10 last year. "I couldn't believe it to begin with. In the morning I thought she had a flu and in the evening I was told she probably wouldn't make it," Natalia told Western Daily Press. "It's devastating for a mother to see a child like that. It was 18 of the most heart-breaking days."
Now, Natalia wants to bring awareness about the rare illness by walking the entire coast of Britain -- her daughter's favorite spot. She is planning to start on walking this Valentine's Day and will start from Durdle Dore in Dorset -- the last beach she visited with Elizabeth.
Natalia estimated she will finish walking the entire 6,000 miles within 10 months. She also said she is hoping to raise at least £100,000 for the children's charity, Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal, so she can help other families. Likewise, to make sure no one will find themselves in her position.
