STUDENTS at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) had been planning their first RAG (Raising and Giving) fortnight and set themselves the challenging target of raising £20,000 for local girl, Amelia-Rose (five) to achieve her dream to walk.

Sadly, the college had to cancel the event as lock-down started on the day the RAG programme was due to start. 

Many learners were devastated as so many had done so much work to prepare for the fortnight that was due to raise essential money for the Amelia-Rose fund.

Amelia-Rose has been diagnosed with Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) - a degenerative disease that means the limited use of her legs will only get more painful, and means she is more likely to be consigned to a wheelchair for life. It is incredibly rare for this inherited disorder to be diagnosed in somebody so young.

 Alongside the Superhero Foundation, Amelia- Rose’s family have been fundraising for over three years for her to receive a life changing operation in the US. Unfortunately, the £36,000 operation was just the start of this long journey and for the operation to be successful Amelia-Rose needs intensive aftercare including daily physiotherapy that the NHS is not able to provide.

When real-life superhero and Superhero Foundation founder, Jamie McDonald mentioned the Amelia-Rose campaign to SGS, the students across the four campuses came together with one common goal – to raise enough money for Amelia-Rose to receive the aftercare she so desperately needs to complete the final stages of this emotional journey.

The cancellation of the RAG activities was devastating to Amelia- Rose’s family, but SGS College could not let them down and have committed to donate the target amount.

Ben, Amelia’s Dad said: “The difference this is going to make to Amelia is going to be huge.

"To get the best results after the operation the surgeon suggests 5-7 hours a week physio for the first two years post operation.

"The NHS provides just one hour every fortnight so we have a huge shortfall which we need to make up privately.

"This money keeps the dream alive of her being able to walk her sister into school.

"We are so grateful for SGS to make this wonderful donation.”

SGS College Principal, Sara-Jane Watkins commented: “Our learners had spent weeks preparing their RAG activities and with some funds already raised, we made the decision to honor the £20,000 commitment. The whole college was behind Amelia-Rose and her dream to walk that we felt there could be no other option. We wish Amelia-Rose the best of luck for the future and proud that SGS College could be part of her journey to achieve her dream.”

Jamie McDonald added: “The biggest learning for me is that this was all able to happen thanks to being part of a close-knit community. I never imagined that it would lead to such a big donation. It was clear that the college just wanted to help and they most certainly did, spectacularly!”

To follow and donate to Amelia-Roses journey visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-portal/someoneSpecialPage?pageId=1064402&over18Ind=Y