Esme’s Summer of Slides
02 March 2023
NF1Mummy update on Esme's matchday mascot role for Aston Villa v Crystal Palace:
Not phased by the 42,000 crowd she marched onto the pitch at Villa Park hand in hand with @mattycash622 .
Thanks to @avfcfoundation for recognising all her fundraising efforts for @nervetumoursuk and asking her along today. You were all amazing. We had 'the best day ever' in the words of Esme herself.
Best of all we came away with a win .����♥️��⚽��
#avfcfoundation
#avfc
Newsflash:
Up The Villa: watch Esme, one of our youngest NF Warriors, join the team as a matchday mascot when Aston Villa plays Crystal Palace this Saturday 4th March 2023 at 3pm. Match highlights will be on BBC Match of the Day on Saturday at 10.20pm.
Kate, Mother of Esme
"The wonderful people @avfcfoundation and @avfcofficial heard all about Esme's amazing fundraising efforts and she has been asked to be mascot for our beloved Aston Villa this weekend. Her shiny new kit arrived today, and her face just says it all. UP THE VILLA!!!
We are planning our next fundraiser so watch this space."
Read her story and involvement in raising awareness of Nerve Tumours (NF1 & NF2-Schwannomatosis).
Last summer Esme set herself and her friends and family the challenge of sliding down as many slides as they could to raise money for Nerve Tumours UK. Esme was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 at 6 months old, and now at the grand old age of 3, she has definitely raised awareness of the condition that both Esme and her mum live with.
Esme smashed her first fundraiser, making it to slide 100 today!
A big thank you to every one of you that has sponsored, joined in, shared their posts or simply asked more about Neurofibromatosis. She turned the last weeks into a summer of fun and fun-raising for all that participated and followed her sliding efforts.
Esme's efforts have now been rewarded in style.
The four year old was among thousands of young children nominated for the PAW Patrol Awards 2022, with her nomination winning the hearts of the judges.
Esme was awarded the Skye Award for Kindness at the award ceremony in London's Soho Hotel. The event was hosted by model and media personality Vogue Williams. Winners also received special Paw Patrol goodies, plus family tickets to Nickelodeon Land.
Esme with her Skye Award for Kindness
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Esme with presenter Vogue Williams
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The judges said: 'Esme has coped with her own challenges and still thought about others. We also loved the simple but effective idea of raising money by going down slides.'
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– Kate & Stephen, Esme's parents"Last summer she raised over £2,500 for Nerve Tumours UK, a charity helping people with NF, by going down 100 slides. ‘This year, she sorted through her clothes and toys and ran a pop-up shop. She asked local stall holders to come along and also asked local people to donate to the raffle. Esme raised an impressive £1,500 and donated it to charity. 'Anything that didn't sell she donated to a local charity to support families in need. ‘She oozes kindness and truly does go above and beyond to support the needs of others."
Congratulations Esme, you are doing an incredible job of raising awareness of Neurofibromatosis and helping others!
The slide challenge started on July 18th and kept going until September 1st 2021.
Summer of sliding
If you took part, share your photos on social media #EsmesSummerOfSlides
Send us your sliding photos to info@nervetumours.org.uk
– Kate @NF1Mummy""Esme and her friends and family have loved completing the summer of slides. In just under 6 weeks, Esme has slid down over 100 slides to raise money for Nerve Tumours UK. We have had so much fun and have loved spreading awareness of Neurofibromatosis. So many people joined in to support us, and donated. The challenge also enabled people to reach out to talk about the condition. It has been an amazing experience, and myself and Stephen are very proud parents" Follow Kate on Instagram @NF1Mummy"
When committing to events for Nerve Tumours UK, only commit to physical challenges that you are capable of, and in case of any underlying conditions, discuss with your GP or Specialist. Nerve Tumours UK cannot be held responsible for any accidents or damages that occur throughout the training commitment or the challenge itself.
Kate “NF1 Mummy” Your Questions on parenting answered: World Neurofibromatosis Day 17 May 2021
Have you got questions about your child’s NF diagnosis? Send them into us for World NF Awareness Day
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Kate, NF Mummy Community & Support
Kate tells us why she started the NF1 Mummy community group online
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Kate’s Story
Have a read of Kate's inspiring story including the introduction of her beautiful daughter Esme, who has NF1, into the world.
Find out more