A FIVE-YEAR-OLD girl and her friends have completed an army obstacle course to raise money for a family friend suffering from a degenerative disease.

Youngster Mylee-Louise Copeland was heartbroken when she found out her mum’s best friend had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which involves degeneration of the motor neurones and wasting of the muscles.

The thoughtful young girl has embarked on a mission to raise £500 for Natalie Shaw, who was diagnosed with the disease last year aged 30. The money will go towards making new and fun memories.

The first task saw the group of youngsters trudge through the mud to make their way around an obstacle course in Rettendon Hall, in Main Road, Rettendon, yesterday.

Mylee-Louise’s mum Sarah, from Brock Hill, in Wickford, said she was incredibly proud of her daughter.

The 30-year-old said: “While Natalie is still mobile now, there will be a point when she isn’t.

“Natalie doesn’t know what life has in store and unfortunately at present there is no cure for this awful disease, however she is a fighter.

“Mylee-Louise is very close to Natalie and said she wanted to make as many memories for her while she could.

“She wants to take her away for a few days to London to see a West End show or to a theme park like Chessington to stay for the night and have fun.

“It is all very expensive so she decided to fundraise and hopes to raise £500.

“She has been so good, she sent emails to businesses asking for help but didn’t get much support from any of them.

“Now she has made sponsor forms and is getting friends and family to join in to raise money.”

So far, little Mylee-Louise has raised £184 through online donations and £80 from the community..

Ms Copeland added: “She has done really well so far.

“Mylee-Louise is very impressive and has raised money for charity before. She did a bounceathon last year and raised £200.

“She knows it helps and that is why she does it.

“Natalie has been overwhelmed by all the support, it has been really great.

“Friends of her raised money so she could go skiing because next year she might not be able to.

“She has a heart of gold and we all just want to help her and make it as fun as we can.

“We are hoping to keep on fundraising and do a car wash in the summer months, every little helps.

“Natalie deserves to enjoy as much quality time doing memorable things whilst she is able.”

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sarah-copeland?utm_id=100&utm_term=yEZNq5njj.