A BRAVE 14-year-old with cerebral palsy and epilepsy is set to go on her dream trip to Hollywood after thousands of pounds were donated.
Riley Dyer, from Benfleet, was born with cerebral palsy after having a bleed on her brain at birth. She is a triplet with two other sisters, Erin and Evie, all born at 32 weeks.
Growing up, this didn’t hold Riley back, with her being part of a netball team as well as swimming with hopes of competing in the Paralympics.
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However, Riley’s life took a turn in 2021 when she started having seizures. She was later diagnosed with focal epilepsy.
Further medical problems then continued as she was later rushed to hospital after being left in excruciating pain in all parts of her body with lumps appearing on her head spine, and elbows.
This happened regularly for a further eight months, with specialists still trying to work out what is causing it.
As a result, Riley has been left “stiff” and “weak” and now has to use a wheelchair.
Her older sister, Brook Dyer, 29, has since set up a GoFundMe to make Riley’s dream of going to Hollywood come true, and make her smile again after a tough few years.
She said: “Riley is one of the kindest, most thoughtful, gentle, and beautiful souls anyone could know.
“She now needs help to bathe, get dressed, do her hair, all of which Riley has never needed or wanted before. We are hoping to get a diagnosis soon so a treatment and pain plan can be put into place for her.
“But, despite this, Riley still makes us so proud of the resilience and determination she has shown, through what has been so traumatic and challenging.
“She is still not back at school fully, as her pain and flare-ups are ongoing, but we desperately want to help bring her smile back.
“Riley just wants to feel better and enjoy her teenager life like her sisters, so this trip would give her something to focus on and look forward too.”
Riley is set to be studying film and media, which she loves, so a trip to Hollywood and Universal Studios is her dream.
The GoFundMe was started on Saturday and has already almost raised the £2,500 initial target.
Brook added: “The family are totally amazed and shocked by the outpouring of such generosity and love for Riley’s journey from family, friends and the community, but honestly if anyone deserves this it would be our very special smiley, Riley.
“It certainly puts faith back into humanity and we cannot thank everyone enough.”
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/rileys-journeyhelp-make-smiley-smile-again
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