A BARNARD Castle student is preparing to brave the cold this Boxing Day to raise money for a brain injury charity that supported her best friend and family.
Izzy Semley will be one of 23 people taking part in the Seaburn Boxing Day dip, near Sunderland, to raise funds for Headway – the brain injury association. So far, the year 13 student at Teesdale School and Sixth Form has raised £2,287.
The fundraiser comes after Izzy’s best friend, Floss Gibson, suffered a life-changing brain injury in a car accident in May.
The 17-year-old, who is also from Barnard Castle and a former Teesdale School pupil, is currently recovering in a rehabilitation centre in Newcastle, where she remains minimally conscious.
Izzy said: “Floss is the most fun-loving, crazy person I know. Doing the Boxing Day dip and having a laugh is something I know Floss would love.
“We are getting dressed up in Christmas fancy dress and running into the sea at Seaburn to raise money for Headway.”
Izzy said: “Floss is not fully aware of things yet. We don’t really know the outcome yet but it is life-changing. She still struggles with consciousness. She was initially in a coma.”
Last month, Izzy set a fundraising target of £500 and was blown away by the response which saw her smash her target within days.
She said: “I never thought I would get £500. It was more to raise awareness and then it completely blew up.
“It is so important to me that we raise as much awareness as possible for anyone and everyone in a similar situation to her as I have seen first hand how important love, support and understanding are to sufferers and their family through what can be an
absolute emotional rollercoaster.
“It is a massive curveball that you don’t expect happening to you when you are 17. You feel helpless. That is why I have done the fundraising. It is something we can do to help anyone in Floss’ situation.”
A Christmas jumper day is also being held at Teesdale School and Sixth Form to help boost funds on Wednesday (today).
Izzy thanked everyone for their support.
She added: “It is overwhelming. You just don’t expect this amount of support. It shows how many people care. I could not put into words how grateful I am.”
To donate visit https://bit.ly/2rXLznZ.
