Annabelle Harrison-Bayliss was born prematurely at 28 weeks and suffers from cerebral palsy. While this doesn’t affect her intelligence or speech, standing, balancing and walking have always been difficult for her.
In spite of this, Annabelle, who attends Deans Close School in Cheltenham, loves sport and discovered frame-running 18 months ago using a rented frame. With a natural talent for the sport, she has already won competitions at local and county level.
However, demand for the frames is high and so her borrowed frame has had to be returned. Her family is now hoping to buy Annabelle her own frame, at a cost of £3,300, so that she continue to train and hopefully achieve her dream of eventually competing in the Paralympics.
Mum Tarma Bayliss, 45, a psychology student said: ‘Annabelle has been having physio since she was very young and, although it has been very difficult, challenging and not at all fun for her at times, she has persevered with an understanding beyond her years. A few years ago, as she became more self-aware and the reality of her situation began to dawn on her she had some very dark moments and we knew then that we had to find something to ignite a passion in her or there would be some very testing times ahead.
‘Annabelle has always ridden horses and this has helped her emotional well-being immensely but she is limited to lead rein walk and trot due to her disability. We wanted to find something that would fill her full of excitement, give her an adrenalin buzz, and all of those lovely feelings that young children should feel whilst keeping her safe from harm. We began to explore some of the sports available to children with disabilities on our area. We found a wonderful group who introduced us to frame running. Secure in the frame, for the first time in her life she could run, use her lungs, and increase her heart rate – and she was good at it!
‘With the continued help and support of her amazing coach Bob Purcell and the rest of the group at Gloucester Athletics Club, she has competed and won at local and county levels and now has aspirations to go to the Olympics.
‘Her mental well-being and self-confidence have soared and, at 12 years of age, she is excited about her future and has something to share with her peers. She will also be able to use a frame runner to get about at home and at school which means she can avoid using a wheelchair, something she hates!’
Annabelle is hoping to compete in the county championships in April. ‘We would be extremely grateful for any donations or corporate sponsorship to help us buy this equipment for Annabelle and help her achieve her dream.
Gill Gibb, Tree of Hope CEO said: ‘Annabelle is clearly a determined and talented young lady! We wish the family all the best with their fundraising and the best of luck to Annabelle in her races!.’
To donate to Annabelle’s fund, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/annabelle-harrison-bayliss/
