A group of professional dog walkers from the Ilkley area have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Emma Nelson, owner of Merry Paws in Burley, after rare, irreversible side effects from cancer treatment left her unable to safely run her business alone.
The fund aims to cover the cost of a wheelchair and help allow Emma to continue to work in the job she loves.
Emma beat cancer following intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy, but the life-saving treatment caused radiation induced lumbosacral plexopathy (RILP), a chronic and rare neurological condition that severely affects mobility and function.
Fundraiser organiser Ashleigh Murphy said:
“Since being diagnosed just two years ago, she has already lost most of the power in her legs and struggles daily with excruciating pain, making it increasingly difficult to walk without falling, increasing her pain levels and becoming fatigued.
“Despite this, Emma is determined to try and continue doing what she loves best. Giving dogs their best life when their mums and dads go on holiday. A job she loves with all her heart. She says of all of what she has been through, the thought of no longer being able to walk or walk the dogs, is the worst torture. She simply cannot imagine a life not outdoors with those waggy tails.”
Emma has applied for the Personal Independence Payment which is a payment given to help those with disabilities cover the extra costs of living e.g. a wheelchair, ramps, converting the home to be able to live in it etc. Ironically, because she walks the dogs, even though it leaves her unable to do anything else, not even to stand and cook tea, she has not been given the mobility allowance which would help her put towards a wheelchair and continue to work in the job she loves.
Ashleigh adds:
“For this reason, we have created this fundraiser in order for Emma to be able to get the chair she needs to keep her MerryPaws dream alive....”
To donate to the fundraiser please visit: www.gofundme.com/f/emma-get-a-wheelchair-and-keep-her-merrypaws-dream-alive
The Box Tree recognised as one of the best restaurants in Leeds
Swing into Christmas promises an evening of festive favourites
Local dads raise £11,892 to support Airedale Hospital and Community Charity
Second leg of 'magical' Santa tour starts on Friday
Yorkshire Water finally lifts five-month hosepipe ban
Don't blame wildlife for £11.7m Kex Gill overspend, say Green councillors
Wanted on suspicion of theft offences locally including Ilkley
Appeal for Christmas food parcel donations
Brave dippers raise more than £5,000 at Sue Ryder’s new cold-water challenge
Quinta named Best Restaurant in England at national awards
Children's charity Christmas celebration in Ilkley
Clayful celebrates one year with creative community events
Ilkley Town Council invites volunteers to join its Planning Committee
Outside the Box welcomes all to first Winter Festival
Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival brings community together in a festive celebration!
New train timetables on Wharfedale Line from Sunday
Ilkley shoppers can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas
Festive dining and talent at Outside the Box
Burley Co-op re-opens with fresh new-look following makeover
An evening with Inbetweeners comedian in Silsden
