A kind-hearted 10-year-old from Goole has helped to raise over £1,100 and counting in support of a family friend who recently underwent surgery for a brain tumour.
Maeve Simpson has completed a 10-mile sponsored walk to support Goole teaching assistant, Stacey Duffy who was diagnosed with an Optic Nerve Meningioma in 2021. The St Joseph’s Primary School pupil took on the walk on Sunday, February 11, around Swinefleet and also helped to arrange a huge raffle to raise extra cash. The youngster decided to take on the challenge to support Stacey who is currently gearing up to take on the London Marathon in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity. Stacey is aiming to raise £2,700 for the cause, so to help reach the fundraising goals, Maeve decided to take on a fundraising challenge of her own with the support of family and friends.
Maeve explained: “Stacey and my mum are best friends and seeing Stacey poorly when she had her brain operation was really upsetting, but she always smiles and helps others, so I really wanted to help her. “I am really happy that I am helping Stacey even if it’s just this little bit. People have been really kind and sponsored me and that’s made me really happy.” Although Maeve said the walk was a lot harder than she expected, she said she is really glad to have done it and raised so much money to help Stacey get to her target. Stacey was diagnosed with an Optic Nerve Meningioma in November 2021 after experiencing headaches, tiredness and a sensation like she had grit in her eye. After undergoing several surgeries and treatments, Stacey has lost sight in her right eye but she says she is determined not to let it stop her completing the marathon in April.
She said: “This charity is close to my heart as they have helped and supported me during my own personal experience. In November 2021 I was diagnosed with an Optic Nerve Meningioma and even after a Craniotomy and an optic nerve decompression my little passenger remains. “I have now lost all the sight in my right eye following the procedure, but I am determined to do this and hopefully with help and support from local people, I hope to do them and the charity proud.” The 46-year-old supported Maeve during the walk, and thanked others who also joined in to raise money for the cause. She said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Maeve because without her this fundraiser wouldn't have been possible. I am so proud of her, she did every step of the 10 mile walk with a smile on her face. “She most definitely is an inspiration and just like her mum who has been there for me every step of the way she has the biggest heart. “I would also like to thank everyone who was there to support Maeve, to all who took part in the walk and also Swinefleet Social Club for all their help too.” There is still time to donate to Stacey’s fundraiser by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com /fundraising/Stacey-Duffy4
Maeve and Stacey were joined by friends and family on the day. (15-02-130 SU)
