A YOUNG Droitwich woman who has a debilitating illness will be able to go on a trip of a lifetime, thanks to Standard readers.
We reported last Friday (February 13) how Lily Hughes, 21, suffered from the incurable Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and wanted to go on a tour around Europe in July before she was too ill to go.
But, having spent a long time saving for the cash to pay for the trip, she also needed £1,700 for travel insurance in case she fell ill abroad and incurred expensive medical bills and because she would have to take a lot of expensive medical equipment with her.
We appealed to see if readers could help. Donations came in and, after reading the piece in the paper on Friday evening, one man – Daniel Wharrad – donated £1,000 to take Lily to her target.
He said: “My father passed away last September from Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) at the age of 71 after a terrible seven-year battle.
“It is really is an evil disease.”
On Lily’s page, he wrote: “I wish you happiness and lots of hugs and love.”
Lily said: “I was really shocked – it was the first day it had gone in the paper.
“I couldn’t believe someone would donate that much.”
And on her donation page she posted: “This has literally made my day, well, more like my life!”
Lily and her friend and full-time carer Emily Corden will embark on the trip around Holland, Germany, Poland, Switzerland and Austria in July.
Daniel, who lives in Wychbold, is also in the process of setting up The Wharrad Foundation as a tribute to his late father John.
As his dad’s illness progressed it became apparent to those who cared for him there was limited help and support available for those affected by the rare and debilitating disease.
The Wharrad Foundation is aimed at helping address the shortfall and providing the much-needed help and practical support for the MSA sufferers and their carers.
Visit www.wharrad.co.uk for more on The Wharrad Foundation.
