Fundraiser walks 40 miles in her wedding dress for Acorns Hospice
Natalie Queiroz MBE is raising funds in memory of Isabella Lyttle
Last updated 2nd Jun 2023
A Birmingham woman has walked from Worcester to Walsall in her wedding dress to raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice.
Natalie Queiroz MBE took on the challenge alongside husband Simon, brother-in-law Mark and a small team, in memory of Mark's daughter Isabella Lyttle.
Isabella lost her battle with cancer in 2019 at the age of 12, having been supported by Acorns Children's Hospice in Walsall.
And now her family want to raise £4,000 for the hospice.
Today (Friday) the team left Acorns in Worcester at 4:30 am before stopping off at Acorns in Selly Oak, and then finally finishing their challenge at Acorns in Walsall.
To make the challenge even harder, Natalie wore her wedding dress the whole way – dragging the train along the road.
On why she's wearing her dress, Natalie said: "It's the most beautiful and poignant reminder of how Isabella brought people together and the love that radiated from her and touched everyone she met."
Isabella was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of just 3. Throughout her life she defied medical odds, battling never-ending rounds of treatment and going into remission.
Her family said she inspired people to come together to raise money; which is how Natalie first met the Lyttle family.
It was through this friendship that Natalie met her now-husband Simon, Isabella's uncle, who she married in October 2022.
Before her death in 2019, Isabella spent much of her time at Acorns Walsall, and in recognition, they are naming the Arts and Craft Room – Isabella’s Place.
Natalie, Simon and Mark are aiming to raise £4,000 for the hospice following their challenge.
Mark is also trekking the Sahara dessert in October to raise money for Acorns, joining a team of 25 adventurous and courageous travellers. At the end of the Trek, they’ll all be taking part in a project that, like Acorns, helps to support those that are vulnerable and require care outside of a hospital environment.
You can donate to the cause here.