A MUM from Evesham is preparing to walk the length of two marathons to raise money for vital treatment which could help her eight-year-old daughter walk by herself for the first time.

On Saturday, July 11 Emma Haynes will walk 52 miles in 24 hours in an effort to raise £25,000 to pay for physiotherapy for her daughter Olivia, who has cerebral palsy and is unable to talk without a frame.

Olivia has had to rely on a wheelchair and a frame since she was born as a result of the condition, which causes the muscles in her legs to be very tight and makes walking very painful and tiring.

Although there is an operation available on the NHS, Olivia will need months of physiotherapy after the procedure, costing £25,000.

On the day Miss Haynes, who left her job as a legal secretary to care for her daughter and her three other children – Olivia’s twin sister Grace, 11-year-old Ellie and three-year-old Violet – will walk the same two-mile loop of Evesham 26 times, cheered on by family and friends.

“If I have to take a million steps so that Olivia can take just one that doesn't cause her pain, then that’s what I will do," she said.

“I’m so motivated and we expect this challenge to bring us together as a family.

“Olivia’s twin sister Grace finds it so difficult that she can walk and Olivia can’t so really I’m doing this for all my children.

“This will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done physically – I don’t remember the last time I walked one mile let alone 52 – but as any parent will agree, I’ll do anything within my power to improve my kids’ lives, and I hope this strikes enough of a chord with the public that we’re able to raise enough for the treatment.

“We’re really lucky that Olivia is able to have this operation so we need to grab this opportunity with both hands and make sure she has the treatment afterwards she needs to give it the best chance of success.”

The challenge is being supported by charity the Superhero Foundation, which encourages people to push themselves to the limits for a good cause.

To sponsor Miss Haynes visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/oliviasdreamtowalk.

Follow her progress on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1444198452561998 or on Twitter using the hashtag #OliviasDream.