A Merseyside family were rocked by two bombshells within five months of each other.
The Nye family, from Newton-le-Willows, were hit with the news in March 2019, that the dad of Megan, 13, was killed in a motorbike accident. Just five months later, Megan's sister Gracie, five, was diagnosed with type one diabetes.
Gareth, Megan's stepdad and Gracie's dad, told the ECHO: "She struggled with it a lot, as anyone would- but she was just nine years old and lost her dad so it was so difficult. Covid hit not long after, so it was a struggle to get Megan the counselling and support she needed."
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The ECHO had previously covered Gracie Nye's story in 2020, and her family's struggle to make sure she got the funding for vital equipment that will help her treatment. Parents Gareth and Joanne have to give their daughter, insulin injections and test her blood sugar levels multiples times a day, in case her glucose levels fall too low - which left untreated can lead to a coma.
Joanne, 35, said: "When Megan lost her dad it was a complete shock to all of us. At no point could we ever imagine this happening, but it left a nine-year-old girl without a parent and happened just after her little sister’s diagnosis which also rocked the family.
“Megan and Gracie have shown so much strength and bravery over the past few years, after going through some incredibly tough and trying times. We wanted to do something for them and to help any other families who might be struggling through the same experiences.”
The family, along with a team of friends and volunteers will take part in a 40 mile walk, to raise money for charities Diabetes UK and Child Bereavement UK, to support families in similar positions to them across the country. The idea for the challenge came during a family trip to Blackpool to see the famous illuminations at the end of last year.
Gareth, a lecturer at Chester Medical School, said: "We had typed Blackpool into the satnav and the first route it came up with told us how long it would take us to walk the distance. I said to Joanne, we could do that. Why don’t we do that? And here we are.
"It’s taken a lot of planning but we’re almost there. It’s a little bit daunting but we’re also really looking forward to it. The walk will be tough but all the support from family and friends will make it a memorable day too. The hard work is worth it if we can help anyone going through what we have.”
The route will take the family from Newton-le-Willows, leaving at 6am, through Wigan, Preston and on to the seaside town where they’ll cross the finish line around 14 hours later at Blackpool Central Pier.
Clare Howarth, Head of the North of England at Diabetes UK said: “We are extremely grateful to Joanne, Gareth, Megan, Gracie, Cameron and all their family and friends for taking on this inspirational challenge. We’ve been incredibly moved with how open they continue to be in sharing their experiences in the hope of helping other families affected not just by diabetes but the loss of a loved one.
“A massive thank you to everyone involved in this epic challenge and we look forward to celebrating their efforts along the route."
Sebastian Farrell, Senior Community Fundraiser for Child Bereavement UK said: “We’re very grateful to the Nye family and their friends for taking on this amazing fundraising challenge to raise awareness of the impacts of diabetes and bereavement. The funds they raise will help us to support other bereaved families to rebuild their lives.
“We can’t wait to cheer them on along the route!”
To support the Nye family's charity efforts, you can donate here.
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