Felpham woman, 20, completes 24-hour dance marathon for disabled cousin - 'It was challenging, exhausting and fantastic'

In a bid to minimise the time her six-year-old cousin has to spend in a wheelchair, a young woman from Felpham has completed a 24-hour dance marathon.
By Sam Morton
Published 16th Jun 2020, 17:44 BST
Updated 16th Jun 2020, 17:46 BST
Hollie with her cousinCarmela (right), who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, called LMNA Congenital Muscular DystrophyHollie with her cousinCarmela (right), who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, called LMNA Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Hollie with her cousinCarmela (right), who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, called LMNA Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Hollie Senekal, 20, a key worker at Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital, raised more than £800 after the 'most challenging, exhausting and fantastic' challenge, from 10am on Saturday (June 13) until the same time the next day.

It comes a year after Hollie took part in a 10k run to ‘help prolong the life’ of her cousin Carmela Chillery-Watson, who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, called LMNA Congenital Muscular Dystrophy..

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Hollie, who was supported by her mum, Sharon, said: "There were times we wanted to give up but we remembered why we were doing it and powered through. We danced over 34 miles in 40,000 steps.

Hollie said the challenge 'is something Ill never forget'Hollie said the challenge 'is something Ill never forget'
Hollie said the challenge 'is something Ill never forget'

"We raised an amazing £815 for Carmela’s fight to stay mobile. These funds will go towards equipment and therapy to help keep her mobile."

Hollie said the challenge 'is something I’ll never forget'.

She added: "Carmela joined us on live on Facebook numerous times as well as on FaceTime. Seeing her beautiful little face made all the aches and pains worth it.

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"We did this for such an amazing cause and I can’t wait to see what next year brings.

Hollie was supported by her mum, SharonHollie was supported by her mum, Sharon
Hollie was supported by her mum, Sharon

"I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated to our Dance marathon, the sense of community and friendship amongst friends, family and strangers has truly touched my heart."

To donate to Hollie's fundraiser for Carmela, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hollie-senekal.

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