A BIG-HEARTED woman is set to take on a freefall fundraiser for a little girl with severe disabilities.

Breakdown co-ordinator Emma Allen, 29, from Halstead, was introduced to Grace Beverton via Football for Fun days attended by son Declan, six, and run by Daniel Mather, who has previously organised fundraising events for Grace.

Five-year-old Grace, from Copford, near Colchester, started having severe seizures in 2018, aged five and a half months.

Following several frightening hospital admissions and a barrage of tests, she was finally diagnosed with a mutation of the gene RHOBTB2 (x.1448G>A) following consultation with a genetics specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Her family and supporters fundraise constantly to fund therapies and equipment which are not available on the NHS.

Grace cannot walk or talk, and as there are so few cases like hers it is difficult to know how she will develop.

The current aim is to fund specialised and intensive physiotherapy sessions to help Grace sit unaided.

Longer term goals might include milestones such as bearing weight on her legs or even standing and walking.

There is also likely to be specialist equipment needed, as well as possible adaptations to the family home.

Emma is now set to take part in a sponsored skydive from 13,000ft on July 29 at Beccles in Norfolk.

She said: “I wanted to challenge myself for my 30th birthday.

“It’s easy to become more afraid of things as you get older and have more responsibilities, so I wanted to break out of that.

“I then decided to use this opportunity to raise money for a good cause and raise awareness for Grace and her rare condition.

"I’m hoping to raise at least £500, and am grateful for every penny donated.”

Grace’s family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope which helps families fundraise for children with healthcare needs, and provides charity status to benefit from Gift Aid.

Tree of Hope CEO Gill Gibb said: “We’re really pleased to hear that Grace’s family has so much support and wish Emma all the best with her challenge.”

To sponsor Emma or to donate to Grace’s fund, visit.treeofhope.org.uk/grace-beverton or justgiving.com/fundraising/Skydiveforgrace2023.