A LICHFIELD police officer is taking on a charity challenge in memory of her daughter.
Sergeant Emma Hill is leading 11 people, including her brother and sister, on the Three Peaks climb.
It will see the group climb the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – in 24 hours.
The walking team is made up of people involved in the Magic of Milly Charity, set up by Sergeant Hill in memory of her daughter who died just before her second birthday in 2015 as a result of post-operative complications relating to her rare congenital condition.
Among those joining the challenge is Sergeant Hill's sister Clare Pugh. The Armitage resident said:
"I’m under no illusion that it will be tough for us, but I know there will be laughter as well as tears.
"I’ve really worked hard to improve my fitness since Emma told us her plans, but I know it’ll be about mental resilience as well.
"I know we’ll all be thinking about everything Milly overcame in her short life, and that will spur us on."
The challenge will see the group cover a total walking distance of around 23 miles, with a combined ascent of more than 3,000 metres.
Emma’s brother Stephen Rainsford, who will be bringing special rainbow lights to illuminate the end of the challenge, said:
"I’d like to say I’ve spent some time training, but everyone knows I’m pretty last minute.
"What I’m looking forward to is working as a team and building each other up to complete the challenge.
"Though we are really close as a family, it’s not often we manage to get together, so it’ll be really good to be able to spend that time together, to remember Milly and the joy and light she brought to our lives."
It is hoped the challenge will raise up to £15,000 for the paediatric intensive care unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital where Milly spent around 18 months of her short life.
Since the charity was set up in 2016, it has raised more than £250,000 for the department and has been used to fund specialist monitoring equipment along with memory and care packages for parents and children staying on the wards.
Annie Eytle, head of public fundraising for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, added:
"Emma’s family are completely awe-inspiring.
"I have had the pleasure of attending some of the previous fundraising events, which have truly been gold standard, but this physical challenge is something new for them and I know they will do whatever it takes to complete it.
"The Magic of Milly charity has worked tirelessly to raise money for specialist equipment, bereavement and palliative care training, our emergency department waiting room refurbishment, as well as helping to fund our new cinema, to name but a few.
"So whatever happens, we know that any amount raised will make a real difference to children and families undergoing our treatment and services."
The group will arrive to start the challenge early on Friday morning (24th July).
Sergeant Hill added:
"I have never even walked up a big hill in my life, so when I say this will be a challenge, it certainly will be for me.
"My husband was the one who suggested we do this as something a bit different this year – then quickly volunteered to drive the minibus.
"But I am so grateful to him as well as everyone else for agreeing to join me as we take on this latest adventure – and I know we will be able to encourage each other to keep going and push ourselves to the top."
People can donate via an online fundraising page.
