AN animal-loving teenager from Mobberley is challenging herself to raise £1,000 for a rescue shelter which is close to her heart.
Amelia Semp, who has cerebral palsy, will be walking one mile around Tatton Park – a task which will be especially challenging as she will be using a walking frame.
The 14-year-old was inspired after her family struck up a relationship with Cyprus Pride House, an animal rescue shelter near Limassol, Cyprus.
Three of Amelia’s four dogs – Storm, Rosie, Coco and Oscar – came from the shelter and now have a loving new home in Knutsford.
Mum Sophie Semp explained: “Amelia’s always been around dogs, probably from when she was about three of four.
“I’ve been in touch with Cyprus Pride House for about eight years and we try and help when we can.”
When Amelia wanted to raise money, the shelter was the perfect cause, and the Middlewich school pupil has already raised more than £900 in anticipation for the big sponsored event in June.
“It’ll be difficult for her because she’ll have her walking frame,” Sophie added.
“I know one mile seems quite short but for Amelia it’ll be a struggle."
Amelia’s grandad, Martin Tompsett, said Amelia would ‘do anything’ for animals.
He said: “Sophie and Amelia just think Cyprus Pride House is such a lovely thing because when you see the dogs at first they are such a mess but they then get looked after and brought back to health.
“Amelia has really clocked onto it and it’s become a serious part of her life - she’ll do anything she can for animals.
“Amelia was the one who came up with this idea of walking one mile in Tatton Park.
“It’s going to be quite a big thing for her.
“She’ll walk up the road with the dogs, but for her to start off in one place and keep going, it’s a big task.
“But she’s looking forward to it – there’s going to be no stopping her.”
Cyprus Pride House rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned and abused cats and dogs.
It was set up in 2002 by a British couple who have since helped more than 1,000 animals in the area.
It is in need of donations and support to keep doing its life-saving work.
You can find out more here: cypruspridehouse.org.
To donate to Amelia’s fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sophie-semp.
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