The mother of a five-year-old girl who passed away from a rare illness has arrived in Wales as part of her ‘Walk of Love’ around the UK to raise money in her daughter’s memory.

Natalia Spencer, from Cheltenham, is walking 6,000 miles around the coast of the UK after her daughter Elizabeth passed away at Bristol Children’s Hospital in December last year.

Elizabeth was taken ill in November with a relatively common virus which triggered an autoimmune condition known as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). This rare condition caused Elizabeth’s body to go into septic shock, shutting down her major organs and cutting off the blood supply to her limbs.

Elizabeth spent 18 days on life support in Bristol Children’s Hospital, but despite doctors’ best efforts passed away on December 10. Natalia now hopes to raise £100,000 for The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, in her daughter’s memory.

Natalia’s ‘Walk of Love’ started on Valentine’s Day at Durdle Door in Dorset, the last beach she and Elizabeth visited together.

Natalia said: “Elizabeth particularly loved the beach and the sea and we went to the seaside a lot. After she passed away, I went to the seaside quite a few times and I realised that it is the only place that helps me to feel better and connect with her.

“The walk has been challenging in places, but I have met so many incredible people along the way, and their kindness and support has been a huge comfort to me.

“I hope that by completing this walk, I will be able to bring something positive from Elizabeth’s death. Her memory will live on through the people I meet along the way and all those who are touched by her legacy.”

Bristol Children’s Hospital treats critically ill children and babies from an extensive catchment area, covering not only the South West of England, but also Monmouthshire, Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire.

Natalia’s walk has already raised more than £30,000. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Natalia-Spencer or text ELIF55 and your donation amount to 70070.

Natalia is inviting anyone who would like to walk with her to join her for part of the journey. She’s walking from Pendine to Tenby on Friday, April 29. You can follow her progress at www.elizabethsfootprint.com

The Grand Appeal supports critically ill children and babies at Bristol Children’s Hospital, providing life-saving medical equipment, patient facilities and therapies and accommodation for families.

For more information about The Grand Appeal, visit www.grandappeal.org.uk