Brave Poppy to walk walls

8:58am Friday 15th February 2008

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THREE months after being struck down seriously ill, a brave little girl is back on her feet and ready to fulfill her pledge to walk the city walls in aid of Holgate Windmill.

Seven-year-old Poppy Frear, of Poppleton, York, was planning to do a sponsored walk of the walls last November, to help raise money towards the renovation of York's last windmill, but was unable to participate after being falling ill with bone infection Osteomyelitis.

After hospital treatment and a temporary one third loss of body weight, Poppy has regained her health, and been given the all- clear to complete the walk she pledged to do.

Poppy's dad, Neil Frear, said: "Poppy was due to walk the walls in aid of the Holgate Windmill in November. We were all raring to go, Poppy and her little sister Scarlett had collected nearly £80 sponsor money, but Poppy was sadly taken ill the day before and was admitted into hospital for a week.

"Everyone on ward 17 at York district hospital were lovely and she was soon on the mend and sent home with 30 bottles of antibiotics and prescriptions for more, "Poppy had to go back to the children's assessment unit every week to have blood tests and was finally given the all clear on Christmas Eve, which was a brilliant present."

Poppy who is in Year Three at Poppleton Ousebank Primary School, was at home for eight weeks. Mr Frear said she couldn't wait to see her friends again.

"She went back to school after the Christmas holiday and was thrilled to see all her friends and her teacher Miss Layfield who were all so supportive, visiting, emailing and sending her presents and cards. "She lost a lot of weight and it has taken nearly three months for her to put it all back on but she is back on form again."

Now Poppy has made a full recovery she says she can not wait to finally start her two-mile walk around the city walls, which is taking place on Sunday, February 17, at 10am.

"I collected loads of money off people than I went into hospital," she said. "I was really disappointed that I couldn't do the walk. I wanted the windmill to have the money.

"I feel fit and well now and I am really excited about doing the walk. I can't wait."

Bob Anderton, chairman of the Holgate Windmill Society said: "It is a fantastic thing that Poppy is doing and we really appreciate it. We wish her the best of luck with her walk."