'My little girl wasn't hitting milestones. I could never have imagined the reason why'

Just 20 days after Effie Middleton was welcomed into the world, her family were hit by a diagnosis which turned their lives upside down.

Effie was just a newborn when she began suffering seizures, prompting her worried mum Ellena to take her to hospital.

The tot was kept on the ward for three weeks where she was treated for an infection before being allowed home.

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But as the months went by, Ellena noticed she was failing to meet milestones including sitting up by herself.

Effie was later diagnosed with triplegic cerebral palsy, a condition which affects movement and posture.

It’s believed the youngster developed the condition when her infection caused a lack of oxygen to her brain, leading to brain damage.

Ellena, 29, can recall the moment she was given the devastating news. “It was very scary,” she told the Manchester Evening News.

“There were loads of tests, injections and antibiotics through an IV which she had to have all through the day.

“It was quite difficult to get an official diagnosis. I kind of knew before we got the diagnosis, so it wasn’t a surprise, but it was quite difficult to know where to go after that.”

Effie, now aged five and in reception, struggles to walk or stand up alone with her condition affecting her lower limbs and upper left limbs.

It also impacts other aspects of her health including blood circulation, digestion and sleep.

Having been given an Innowalk in the past, a standing device which allows users to exercise daily, feel the motion of walking and build up muscle, her family are now hoping to raise £33,000 to buy Effie one of her own.

“Effie adored the Innowalk,” Ellena added. “I could barely get her out of it. It works a little like a motorized cross-trainer.

“If she had one of her own it would do so much for her, improving her muscle strength, flexibility and independence, as well as all the other health benefits which come with being able to stand and move in an upright position.

“Effie is a typical little girl who likes doing all the things that most girls of her age enjoy, singing, dancing, role playing, messing around with toys.

“She’s very inquisitive and loves school. An Innowalk would dramatically improve her independence and quality of life and we are really grateful for any support people can give in helping us buy one for her.”

Ellena’s sister Hannah Middleton is now set to take on the Lake District Ultra Challenge, an 100km walk over 24 hours on June 8 and 9 to help buy Effie the machine.

Hannah, 33, a client services coordinator from Urmston, said: “I’ve never done anything like this before and it will be quite a challenge. I’ve been training – walking and running – but probably not enough.

“I was inspired by my sister Ellena, who did the same event in London last year, to help raise money for an Innowalk for her daughter Effie. They still need about £8000 to buy the machine, and I’m hoping to raise at least £1,000 towards it.”

The family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families fundraise for children like Effie with healthcare needs where the NHS can’t support.

Becky Andrew, Tree of Hope, CEO said: “We wish Hannah all the best with her impressive challenge and the family with their ongoing fundraising for Effie and are here to help however we can.”

To sponsor Hannah or to donate to Effie’s fund visit, click the link here.