There’s something quietly powerful about a community pulling together, and Lyneham Primary School is currently proving just how strong that spirit can be. A determined group of Year One pupils has decided to take on the 2 km Junior Park Run, all in support of their friend and classmate, six-year-old Phoebe Dakin.
Phoebe and her identical twin sister Mia arrived ten weeks early. While Mia grew stronger without complication, Phoebe faced far greater challenges. A bleed on the brain left her with cerebral palsy, and she now relies on a wheelchair for much of her mobility. Despite this, she is known at school and at home for her spark, humour and willingness to get stuck into anything from Uno to helping her younger sister Bella tidy up.
Her mum, Rachel, a paediatric nurse originally from Carmarthen, explained that Phoebe lives with daily discomfort. “She’s often in pain, but she amazes us with her courage,” she said. “She really does inspire us.”
Now, there is a rare opportunity to ease that pain and open new possibilities. Specialists have confirmed that Phoebe is a suitable candidate for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy – a complex spinal procedure that reduces the muscle tightness causing much of her discomfort and restricting her movement. With surgery and intensive physiotherapy, she could gain more independence, improve her mobility and experience the simple joy of moving more freely.
The obstacle, however, is the cost. SDR is not funded by the NHS, and the full package – surgery, rehab and vital therapy – will top £40,000.
The community has refused to let that figure stop them. Almost half has already been raised through sponsored events and generous donations. Over the next few months supporters will be pushing on with a flurry of fundraising challenges: Wyn, Phoebe’s dad, along with colleagues, is preparing for the Llanelli half marathon, a team will tackle the CarTen 100-mile cycle ride in May, and a charity bingo night is set for 22 November at Lyneham Community Centre.
Rachel says the family is buoyed by the support. “Every single donation helps us get closer. We’re hoping she can have the surgery next summer – the earlier the better. She wakes at night with leg cramps, and we’re hopeful this will ease that. She can walk a little with a frame now, but with the right recovery we’re hoping she’ll walk much further in time.”
The family is also receiving support from children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families fund treatments not available through the NHS. It offers guidance, financial oversight and emotional support – and provides reassurance to donors.
CEO Becky Andrew said the charity is proud to stand beside Phoebe’s family as they work towards their goal.
Anyone wishing to read more about Phoebe’s story or contribute to the fund can visit the campaign page:
https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/get-involved/childrens-campaigns/help-phoebe-walk-with-confidence-fund-life-changing-surgery/
