On Saturday 14th May, Edie Riley-Steel will be climbing in and out of ditches, scrabbling under cargo nets and running through woodlands as part of the 3km ‘Rookie Rush’ course located in Brentwood, raising money for Little Havens – the children’s hospice for Essex.

The hospice, located in Thundersley, cares for children and young people living with complex and incurable conditions. They cared for Edie’s friend Bella for 15 years until she died in August 2021 after living with an incurable genetic condition.

Edie wanted to donate her pocket money to Little Havens in her memory after she died but decided she wanted to use the money to try and raise even more funds for the hospice, which provides all its care free of charge thanks to the kindness of its supporters.

Edie will be taking on the ‘Rookie Rush’ course along with her friend and Bella’s sister, Tilly, and 28 other members of family, friends and school-friends, dubbed ‘Team Bella’s Battlers’. So far Edie has raised more than £1000 and hopes to reach her target of £1,500 on the day.

Charlie Steel, Edie’s mum will be completing the adult ‘Nuclear’ course on the same day alongside 11 other friends and family. She said, “I’m so incredibly proud of Edie organising this fundraiser. Bella was a special little girl and she has left a special legacy amongst those that knew her best. We want to remember Bella herself; her incredible spirit, her wicked laugh, her strength, her courage and the incredible friend that she was to all of us.

“Throughout her life Bella was supported by Little Havens and the amazing Care Team cared for her and her family until her last days. Bella battled to make the most of every day and now we are all taking on a challenge to give thanks to the hospice in memory of Bella. Every child deserves the love, care and expertise offered by the staff there.”

To sponsor Edie in her challenge visit www.justgiving.com/bellasrookiebattlers

Little Havens is a part of Havens Hospices, a registered charity and relies on the generosity of the community to fund its specialist hospice care free of charge to families across Essex. For more information about fundraising visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/fundraising

Published 10th May 2022