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Sunday 1 November 2015

Betsy dreams of getting to Legoland after a major operation for scoliosis

A BRAVE Appledore girl about to undergo a major operation to correct the curvature of her spine is hoping the community can help her experience a once in a lifetime trip to Legoland.






Betsy Fiddy found out in July she has scoliosis, a life threatening and altering condition, and is on a waiting list to undergo a 12-hour operation to fit metal rods and screws to correct the curvature of her spine.


After the operation, the brave 10-year-old will never be able to go on a bouncy castle, enjoy rides at an amusement park or even go on a trampoline again.


Since the diagnosis, friends and family have set up a Go Fund Me page so inspirational Betsy can experience what it is like to visit Legoland and enjoy as many rides as she can and create wonderful memories for her scrapbook.

Mum Ruth Cooper-Chappell said she was still struggling to come to terms with the diagnosis but described her daughter as truly inspirational and stoic.


"She has been incredible from the very start," said the mum-of-four.

Ruth has fibromyalgia, which means she can rarely leave the house so the whole family have been overwhelmed with the support from the friends and the community.



Ruth set up a Facebook page called Betsy's Postcards where friends from all over the world, including Hong Kong and Hawaii have sent a postcard for the Appledore Primary School pupil to keep in a scrapbook to look at when she is in hospital and on the long road to recovery.



Legoland is somewhere Betsy has always wanted to go and she wants her whole family to go along for the ride, with fundraisers hoping to raise £2,000 for the family weekend trip.



Close friend Beverley Sumner and former Appledore resident Heather Miller, who now lives in Canada, have been inspired by Besty and have been working hard to contact businesses to help with the fundraising goal.



Beverley had a similar operation when she was teenager so knows what Betsy may face in the future.



"It broke my heart when I heard about Betsy and it really struck a chord with me, so that's why I am doing all I can to help reach the £2,000 goal," said Beverley



Businesses from around North Devon have been donating prizes for a raffle and Bideford Round Table has donated £250.



Betsy added: "I saw an advert for Legoland and it looked really epic and would really love to go. Everyone's help so far has made me very happy."



Source : North Devon Journal , 31st Oct 2015

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