Girl completes scoot for friend with rare condition

A five-year-old girl has completed on a scooter challenge to raise funds to support her friend with a rare genetic condition.

Rosie, from Snodland in Kent, first met Sid, also five, at a birthday party.

Sid has spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), a condition which has symptoms that can include muscle weakness and mobility problems, according to the NHS.

Rosie's mother, Michelle, said that her daughter was curious about Sid's condition and became "quite emotional" when she learned of some of the difficulties he faced.

To support her friend, Rosie took on a 6.8km (4.2-mile) scooter challenge, completing a lap of Leybourne Lakes Country Park in her favourite princess dress.

"Sid is a wheelchair user and Rosie had questions around that," Michelle said.

The mother added that she explained to Rosie about SMA1 and how Sid's parents had been fundraising to make their home more accessible.

"Rosie wanted to raise money to help Sid. I initially struggled to think what she could do, given she's only five," Michelle said.

Prior to the scooter challenge, Michelle said that Rosie had not even been able to scoot round the whole park.

So far, Rosie has raised more than £3,600, surpassing her target of £2,000.

"Every penny gets Sid closer to the house adaptations he and his family so desperately need," Michelle added.

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