Leicestershire grandparent takes on daring challenge for Rainbows

A Leicestershire grandparent is walking over hot coals in honour of her granddaughter who has such a severe heart condition, she was never expected to survive.

Two-year-old Willow Seagrave has Dilated Cardiomyopathy which has caused severe heart failure. Her heart works at just 20 percent capacity and at three-weeks-old, she was resuscitated for 50 minutes after a cardiac arrest.

Now her “Mamma” is taking on our Loughborough Firewalk to raise money for our charity that has supported Willow and her family throughout their journey.

On Friday 8 July, Mandy Gundle, of Burton on the Wolds, will walk barefoot over coals which are 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mandy said: “Rainbows have done so much for Willow and parents, Chloe and Cole, and I wanted to be able to give something back. My family has always supported Rainbows, and Chloe volunteered there when she was younger. Never for one second do you think you will see the other side of it. It really brings home how little funding Rainbows gets and how much they rely on fundraising.

“The thought of walking on the hot coals petrifies me. But what Willow and Chloe have faced is way more challenging than me walking on hot rocks so I know I can do it for them.”

In 2023, Willow, of Melton, was at hospital because she had been projectile vomiting and within 20 minutes she went into cardiac arrest. Medics performed CPR for 50 minutes in total. After 30 minutes Willow regained consciousness for 10 minutes but then crashed again and had to have CPR for a further 20 minutes.

Willow stayed in the children’s intensive care unit for eight days but amazingly, she had suffered no brain damage. She has since had an operation known as the Hickman procedure – which is where a central line catheter is placed on the right side of the chest wall to enable long-term access to veins.

The family have been supported by us in many different ways. They have stayed at our hospice together and Chloe and Willow attend Baby Group, Coffee Mornings and Parent and Carer Group – which all help Chloe to not feel isolated.

Mandy added: “I know it is a cliche but I didn’t want Willow to go to Rainbows because it is a hospice, and I didn’t know what to expect. But it is such a happy place, and I see how relaxed Chloe is there. She has made some really good friends, who are so supportive and they all understand what each other is going through.”

Firewalk participants will walk through burning coals, which are 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, under the expert guidance of double Guinness World Record Holder for the greatest distance walked on fire – Scott Bell from UK Firewalk.

Claire Hoggan, Rainbows Senior Events Officer, added: “Willow is such a popular little girl at Rainbows and it is lovely to see her Mamma getting involved in fundraising. This is a great and fun event, and we really hope people will join Mandy and support children like Willow.”

To sponsor Mandy, visit Mandy Gundle is fundraising for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People

To find out more about the event, visit rainbows.co.uk/events