Amazing Evie-Lou's dam walk raises £3,000 towards sister's vital operation

Seven-year-old Evie-Lou Harrington, from Llangynog, underwent a life-changing operation in America in 2013 to ease the symptoms of her cerebral palsy.

Now able to walk with the use of a frame Evie-Lou has raised more than £3,000 by completing a sponsored walk at Lake Vyrnwy's dam.

Evie-Lou was joined by around 35 people on the walk, which took place on Saturday, as she looks to raise money towards the £60,000 needed for her sister, nine-year-old Emilie, to undergo the same operation – Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy.

Evie-Lou's mum, Donna, said the family were "incredibly proud" of her daughter's efforts as she pushed herself to complete the mile.

She said: "We are extremely proud. It was not an easy challenge for her, she had to push herself but she did really well and we are incredibly proud of her."

Mrs Harrington explained that the walk had been an emotional experience for her daughter, who was exhausted from her exertions by the time she reached the finish. She said: "She was nervous on the morning but we plodded along, had a few stops here and there but she kept going, she did really well.

"Everyone was cheering her on as she got to the finish, and there was just a wonderful smile on her face, she kept going, she was so determined. We got to the cafe at the end and just broke down in tears so it was a bit of an emotional moment at the end."

Mrs Harrington thanked all those who have supported the fundraising so far, saying the family has been amazed at the backing they have received.

She said: "We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of people who have sponsored Evie. It is amazing."

Mrs Harrington saidShe added that Evie-Lou's operation has made a huge difference to her life in alleviating the symptoms of her illness and that the same procedure will prevent her older sister from getting worse.

She said: "She has gone from a girl who could not walk at all and was using a wheelchair a few years ago to a girl who can walk a mile. It has made a massive difference."

More details about the walk are available on the Emilie's Leap of Faith Facebook page and people can donate to the cause by visiting www.justgiving.com/evie1mileforemiliefaith/