THE FAMILY of a ‘warrior’ 13-year-old who has battled through several life-saving operations will be off on holiday after the ‘incredible’ Bromsgrove community raised almost £8,000 for them.
Millie Bedford has Wiedemann Steiner Syndrome and has been in and out of hospital her whole life.
She recently had to have all her hair cut off for brain surgery.
Both her parents have had to take time off work to care for Millie and their other two children and they have had to completely renovate the top floor of their home to cater for her needs.
Millie’s family have been devoted fund-raisers for the Wiedemann charity over the years.
Family friend Simon Hadlington started a GoFundMe page to raise cash for a much-needed break.
To show solidarity with Millie, her loved ones braved a sponsored headshave and, after being asked to host the event at his pub by fund-raiser Jamey Fallon, landlord Anthony Theophanous set up a raffle and auction to raise more cash.
Millie’s mum Charlotte Groves told the Standard: “I can’t believe how much money was raised, when Simon initially set it up we thought we might raise enough to buy Millie a new iPad.
“She likes everyone having their head shaved as she was struggling with having her hair cut off.
“One night me and my husband couldn’t stop crying as it was so difficult to see her so genuinely sad.
“Lots of people have been sending her videos saying how beautiful she looks and it has really boosted her confidence, she’s a very loved little girl.”
While nothing is yet booked, Millie has her heart set on going to Mexico next summer according to Charlotte.
After seeing our last story, Redditch fund-raiser Rob Underwood got in touch with the family and booked them a long weekend at Carrick’s Retreat caravan in Skegness later this month.
Charlotte added: “The children love their caravan holidays so it will be nice for us all to finally spend some quality time together.
“It’s been a bit of a rubbish summer but next year will be so much better – this has taken all the stress away.”
