Chelmsford mum taking on triathlon for niece with Brittle Bone Disease

Louise Treen, 40, a creative designer, is taking on the Maldon Triathlon on Sept 21st – aiming to run 5Km swim 750 metres and cycle 25km. She will also be doing the Chelmsford Half Marathon in October.

Louise has already raised thousands for her niece over the last few years with the Three Peaks Challenge and the Berlin Marathon.

She said: 'I am a keen runner and not worried about that part but I am quite daunted by the swim! I haven't really swum much since learning at school and this will be in open water which I'm really not used to. We recently went to an inflatables park in a lake on holiday in France and I didn't enjoy it at all! But it will be worth it to help Winnie. I try to do something for her every year. It is so hard to see her in so much pain, her bones breaking, absolutely heart breaking. It is frustrating to be unable to take that away from her, so this is my way of doing what I can.'

Winnie's mum Emma, 38, a personal assistant, dad Steven, 38, and sister Haze, 5, and their supporters fundraise constantly for house adaptations and therapies to make life more comfortable for Winnie.

Emma said: 'We have made the house as practical as possible for Winnie with many adaptations, as well as turning the garden into a haven where she can play when her recovery periods from her many operations make it too difficult to get out. Sometimes her cast won't even fit in the car.'

'We also always need to raise funds for physio and hydrotherapy, as well as new equipment such as wheelchairs as she grows.Fundraising events in the past have included everything from marathons to sunflower growing competitions, the Bluewater zip wire and even a duck race with lots of rubber ducks floating on the river. We are always grateful to everyone who supports us and for every penny we receive, and to Louise and her determination and her determination to raise funds.'

The family is being supported by children's charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise money for children and young people like Winnie for medical treatments and healthcare services not freely available to them through the NHS and social care. The charity provides fundraising guidance, campaign development, financial management, charity registration and emotional support from the Family Support team. Families like Winnie's benefit from having the support, tools and resources to fundraise effectively as well as access to gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.

Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: 'We wish Winnie and her family all the best with their fundraising activities and best of luck to Louise with her challenges! We are pleased to give them support in reaching their fundraising goals.'

To donate to Winnie's fund or sponsor Louise, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/get-involved/childrens-campaigns/winniedarcy/ or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tri-for-winnie