The story of an Angus girl whose parents were told she would never be able to walk properly, but who has now made the final of Miss Scotland, has prompted calls to raise awareness of her condition.
She had a number of operations to correct the condition and is now fundraising for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital.
Her story has inspired a number of people to get in touch about club foot and prompted the young fundraiser to open a new chapter in her charity work by discussing her experience with others.
Julie Christison, whose 21-week-old son Zane has club foot was one of those who contacted Lauren to discuss the condition, leading to a visit to Julie’s Arbroath home by Lauren and her mother Sandra.
Club foot is a birth defect that can affect one or both feet, and early treatment usually helps correct it, but the affected foot usually has to be put into a cast.
Treatment is repeated every week for about five to eight weeks and special boots are worn overnight until they are four or five years old.
Julie said: “I’m really grateful to Lauren and Sandra for the insights they have given me about their own experiences.
“In many respects, there is not a lot in the way of support groups and information out there, and nothing really prepares you for just how intense and full-on the treatment is for club foot – it makes it difficult for all the family.
“I would even say that the treatment is so intense that it could be a contributory factor in post-natal depression.
“Having met Lauren, I now know from her perspective what it is like to have the condition, but meeting her mum too means I’m now more prepared for the future.”
Julie has set up a Facebook page about Zane called Zane’s Journey, which has generated a considerable amount of interest.
“A lot of people have contacted me through the page, and it seems clear that a lot more could be done to raise awareness of the condition, and to provide mutual support. “
Lauren said: “I am delighted that my own experience is helping and encouraging others.
“I have been doing a lot of charity fundraising, but this is a different way of helping people, and is much more personal.”
