Maisie’s crazy over her new trainers

Maisie with Sir Ian Botham

A BRAVE girl from Royton will soon have a special and personal gift for her charity walk with her new buddy Sir Ian Botham.

Leukaemia sufferer Maisie Whitworth has designed her own pair of trainers to wear on Beefy’s Great British Walk.

The inspiring four-year-old was invited to join the England cricket legend recently at NikeTown in London’s Oxford Circus.

This is the second time Maisie and Beefy have met — the first was at Lord’s Cricket Club for the launch of the challenge which will see Sir Ian walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End later this year.

The pair will next meet in April at Tatton Park for Sir Ian’s Manchester leg of the walk — along with scores of fundraisers to raise vital money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Colours
Maisie’s father, Ian, said: “We had a great time at NikeTown where Maisie got to choose her own patterns and colours for her own set of trainers.

“She chose pink ones with bits of green and flowers all over — she loved the whole experience.

“When we met Beefy, he remembered us and he asked Maisie how she was — he is so good with the children.

“He has helped thousands of families through his fundraising.”

Maisie, who began school last year at St Aidan’s and St Oswald’s School in Royton, will receive her sparkling sneakers in the post in the next few weeks.

The lives of parents, Ian and Lisa, were turned upside down more than two years ago when their daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Now the family feel they are “turning a corner” after Maisie finished intensive chemotherapy treatment.

Maisie will be the star of a charity family night organised by her parents at Royton Band Club on Saturday, February 25.

The sold-out event will welcome “Coronation Street” star Ryan Thomas, who plays Jason Grimshaw and Oldham’s former Street favourite Suranne Jones who were left moved after hearing about Maisie’s cancer battle.

Any businesses wishing to support the night with prizes for auction can email: ilovemaisie@ymail.com

Anyone wishing to donate to Maisie’s fundraising page in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research can visit www.justgiving.com/maisie-whitworth