Couple set off for France by horse and cart
ASOUTHPORT couple are set to begin a 1,000-mile journey from Lancashire to the south of France – by an unusual mode of transport.
The journey is set to begin this morning (Thursday, July 20), and the couple will be travelling by horse and cart.
It is predicted that it will take about three months to complete their journey.
Phill and Emily Gregson will be completing the journey to raise money for Claire House, the Newborn Appeal at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, and Alder Hey.
The couple from Banks are planning to take the unusual transport all the way to France after their baby daughter, Elsie, died last year.
Elsie was born with a rare illness, mitochondrial disease, which meant that she could not move her arms or legs and had to be placed on life support.
She died exactly a month after being born, on November 27.
In her memory, her parents, who were married two years ago, are completing this trip with Phill’s son, Aaron, 13, to raise money for charities who helped them through the ordeal.
Phill, 34, said: “She was born a little early because there were concerns she wasn’t moving much in the womb.
“They monitored her and decided to do an emergency caesarian. She ended up on life support and slowly deteriorated over the month.
“I wouldn’t wish anyone to suffer through that and that’s why we want to help.
“We know these things can’t be stopped but we want to make sure anyone else who goes through it can get the same help.”
Rather than carrying out tradi- tional fundraising methods, they settled on this challenge as it showcases all of the skills they have acquired.
Phill, who is a former Stanley High pupil, is a master wheelwright and runs Wheelwright’s shop in Bolton’s Cop, Banks, which makes specially designed wooden products, while Emily, 26, works as a vet in Rufford.
Phill added: “We are really doing something different.
‘‘When fundraising, you hear of sponsored bike rides and marathons, but we’ve never heard of anything like this.
“It plays to our own strengths and skill sets and we hope it will really capture attention.”
The cart has been made mostly by an apprentice at the Wheelwright’s shop, Joe Fredricks, and it will be pulled by two traditional cob horses, which can travel approximately 20 miles a day at most.
The couple have completed practice miles around Southport in the cart, but have not stayed overnight.
To donate to the cause, or for more information, visit www.elsies journey.co.uk