Downham Market girl to take on Norwich Inflatable 5k to fundraise for ME Association in support of mother

A young girl from Downham is set to take on a colourful obstacle course later this month to show support for her mother, who has been living in a darkened room for almost two years with a severe medical condition.

Evie-Mae MacMurray, 12, will be at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich on September 23 as she takes part in the Norwich Inflatable 5k.

She is taking on the challenge as a fundraiser for the ME Association, which supports people like Evie-Mae’s mum Lucy, who has severe ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) – a post-viral fatigue syndrome which is a long-term, multi-system disease that can have a devastating impact on functional ability and quality of life.

Evie-Mae said she signed up for the obstacle course as she misses that her mum “isn’t able to do so much anymore”.

“We used to do lots as a family but now it’s usually just me and my dad that get to enjoy fun things together,” she said.

“It makes me sad that my mum has to spend so much time in bed and resting – I miss the fun things with her.”

Lucy – who is a cancer survivor as well as suffering badly with ME – was prepared to endure payback from spending too much time on screens so she could tell Evie-Mae's story through a series of emails.

But her daughter, she was happy to write, was “smiling ear to ear with each donation made”.

Evie-Mae only opened her online fundraising a few days ago but has already reached almost £300.

Her mother added: “Evie-Mae is the kindest, loving, most caring girl. In difficult times she’s always there with a smile and a hug.

“She encourages me to keep going, she’s my brightest light on darker days.

“Life has changed dramatically for us all, Evie-Mae has had to witness me going through cancer treatment since 2019 and now severe ME, the last four years haven’t been easy for her.

“I miss our quality times together as she does but I couldn’t be more proud that she is taking part in this event to fundraise for the ME Association with the hope that in time things will change not only for our family but many others too.”

Evie-Mae’s dad Alex and her older sister Ellie will be at the showground to cheer her on.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/evie-mae1692964726178

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