Brave Lauren steals show at event to raise funds for her

By Carl Jackson Thursday 28 February 2013 Updated: 28/02 16:40

Buy photos » Lauren Rowles (third from left) with friends, family and fellow performers at the Songs for Lauren fundraiser and (right) defying her delibitating condition to perform on stage. (s

THE FUNDS for Lauren campaign has reached its £14,000 fundraising target 12 months to the day the Bromsgrove teenager woke up and discovered her debilitating condition.

More than 200 people attended the last event at the Lickey End Social Club on February 2 which raked in £2,345.40 towards the total amount.

And 14-year-old Lauren Rowles stole the show herself by defying her Transverse Myelitis which has caused a loss of feeling in her lower body, including her hands - she took to the stage to play guitar in front of her friends and family.

Last year, the North Bromsgrove High School pupil woke up on February 2 and could not feel her legs.

Lauren was diagnosed with TM which attacks the spinal chord and causes a severe loss of sensation.

She was subjected to six months intensive treatment which made her ill and now she is confined to a wheelchair.

In September her and her family started saving money for a functional electrical stimulation (FES) bike costing £14,090 which would help to prevent muscle wastage in her legs.

Now, after just over four months, the money has been raised and the bike has been purchased for Lauren.

She said: "I am amazed by the support I have been shown.

"Raising the money in such a shot space of time has shown me even in the worst situations there are people who care about you."

Lauren's mom Natalie Rowles admitted her 'heart sank' when she realised the cost of the FES bike and questioned how they would ever afford it.

She said: "We are so grateful to have such a supportive network of family and friends but to know there are people out there who have donated just hearing Lauren’s story is incredible.

"Every penny given has made such a positive effect on Lauren. We want to thank everybody."

Natalie said Lauren drew everyone's attention when she took to the stage at the Songs for Lauren event and everybody clapped and cheered when she had finished playing.

Lauren also made a video for the night showing how her life had changed and the things in life she could no longer do or had been forced to do differently.

Natalie added: "It was really hard when she came out of hospital. At times I didn't think I would be able to cope.

"Lauren is just so postive, she just gets on with it. She keeps me going."

There is still inflammation on Lauren's spinal chord and she is still recieving treatment at the Birmingham Children's Hospital, as well as intense physiotherapy at the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Injuries Unit.

However, despite only been in a wheelchair for 12 months, she has already taken up racing and is set to compete at the London Mini Marathon and Swiss National Wheelchair Athletics.

Lauren is one day hoping to take part in the Paralympic Games with Rio 2016 a possible target.

"I am determined to still achieve my dreams and this will be easier knowing I live in a community that is so caring," she added.