Keith families come out to walk for Tilly
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A COURAGEOUS little girl was the focus of a sponsored toddle in Keith at the weekend.
Tilly Cranna (2), was joined by friends from the Strathisla Children's Centre on Saturday morning.
She used a special buggy for the first time to complete part of the walk herself, with her mum Kerrie Baird (31), dad Barry Cranna (32) and big sister Hallie (4).
At just two weeks old Tilly, from Glass, was diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL), a type of brain injury affecting the white matter around the ventricles, typically occurring as a result of a lack of blood or oxygen to the brain.
Tilly, who was born nine weeks prematurely on June 10, 2020, was then diagnosed in May 2021, with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy. She also has airway disorders and gastrointestinal issues, and is a regular visitor to hospital.
Kerrie said she was overwhelmed, in a positive way, by the show of support at the fundraising walk, with all proceeds going to Tilly’s just4children campaign, to help with her ongoing therapy and equipment needs.
You can support their fundraising at https://just4children.org/lifewithalittlet/
"The thing that was most pleasing was the amazing turnout," said Kerrie.
"Children of all ages took part and it was really nice to have that support.
"Tilly did a tiny bit in her walker. She was really happy.
"She only used her walker for the first time in public last Thursday, when I took her round Tesco in Inverness, as we were through there getting some intensive physiotherapy."
Kerrie thanked Eleanor Smith, manager of the Strathisla Children's Centre, for organising the walk.
"The walk was brilliant," added Kerrie. "Everyone came over to say hello to Tilly."
In spite of the challenges, Tilly is defying the odds. She eats orally, has a vocabulary of around 70 words, and the most infectious smile. At 29 months, she has the physical ability of a 6–9 month old.
“Tilly has taught us to live with hope in our hearts, and fundraising through Just4children will allow us to give that hope for independence back to Tilly.”
