Belle’s Story: Pembrokeshire Fundraising in Memory of Belle Curran

Emily Williams is running a backyard ultra-marathon to raise funds in memory of her beautiful little friend Pembrokeshire homewares store is going all out to support a local children’s charity that has touched their hearts. The Furniture Directory, in Freystrop, will be hosting a fundraising day in aid of Belle’s Story on Saturday, April 4, with coffee, cakes and a raffle full of fantastic prizes donated by Pembrokeshire businesses. Belle’s Story is a registered Pembrokeshire charity that grants magical experiences and life-enriching equipment to children and young people with shorter lives. The charity takes its inspiration from Belle Curran, a young girl who – at the age of just two – was diagnosed with an interstitial lung disease. Despite her condition, Belle managed to lead a relatively normal life with the aid of various medications. However, by the time she turned eight, her health had declined significantly, necessitating the use of a wheelchair and constant oxygen support.

Subsequently, she was placed on the waiting list for a double lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital. For two long years Belle and her family hoped for the call that would change her life, but sadly Little Belle Curran, who helped set up the Belle’s Story children’s charity before she died, aged ten.

Belle Curran’s lasting legacy

“The backyard ultra-marathon challenge is something which feels completely out of my comfort zone,”

no suitable organs became available. Tragically, at the age of ten, Belle's body could no longer withstand the struggle, and she lost her battle. However, she left behind a legacy of courage and love.

Before she died, Belle set up the charity with the help of her family and friends in order to add a little sparkle to the lives of children with life-limiting illnesses, while also promoting organ donation and the need for families to talk about their organ donation wishes. Inspired by Belle’s Story, Furniture Directory owner Arran Davies and his fiancé Emily Williams, who knew Belle well, decided to do what they could to support the charity set up in the youngster’s memory. In addition to the upcoming open day, Emily will be taking part in a crazy fundraising challenge of her own. On Saturday, April 25, she will be embarking on a backyard ultra marathon. A backyard ultra is a form of ultra-marathon during which participants must consecutively run a 4.1-mile loop on the hour, every hour. There is no set distance, with runners going on for as long as they physically can. “The backyard ultra-marathon challenge is something which feels completely out of my comfort zone,” said Emily.

A wider perspective

“It certainly feels like my biggest challenge ever, but I'm running in support of Belle's Story so I’m determined to go on for as long as I Emily and Belle: She was like a little sister to me and best friend all rolled into one close to my heart. “Belle was like a little sister to me and best friend all rolled into one, and there are no words to explain just how much she is missed. “She was such a wonderful little girl who never once allowed her condition to define her. She was also so positive and generous. She was a truly wonderful person and an inspiration to everyone that knew her. “Belle's Story is a beautiful tribute to her legacy. “The charity honours her wishes by raising awareness about the importance of organ donation and advocating for the needs of young individuals living shorter lives. “They also grant magical experiences and life-enriching equipment to children and young people with shorter lives.” If you would like to support Belle’s Story, you can visit Furniture Directory’s fundraising day on Saturday, April 4. You can also make a donation to Emily’s backyard ultra-marathon fundraiser by Googling “justgiving. com Emily Williams Belles Story”.

To find out more about the Belle and the charity, visit bellesstory. co.uk Harddwch Gwaith Bries Gwaith Saer Arlwyo Cyfrifiadura Adeiladu Dylunio, Gwneud ac Adfer Dodrefn Trin Gwallt Technoleg Gwybodaeth Cerbyd Modur YOUR YOUR COMMUNITY COMMUNITY | | YOUR YOUR COLLEGE COLLEGE | | YOUR YOUR FUTURE FUTURE