Solihull teenager walks 100 laps of garden for hospital after life-changing crash - The Solihull Observer

Solihull teenager walks 100 laps of garden for hospital after life-changing crash

Solihull Editorial 19th May, 2020 Updated: 19th May, 2020   0

A TENACIOUS Solihull teenager walked 100 laps of her garden to raise funds for the hospital which helped her after she suffered life-changing injuries in a road crash.

In 2017 when Gemma Coates was 14 she was hit by a van on a crossing in Solihull which left her with a brain injury.

She went into a coma and when she came round she was unable to walk and talk.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital – part of the Univerity Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) Trust – has been helping her rebuild her life since the devastating incident.




Gemma, inspired by Captain Tom Moore, used a specially adapted walker to help her complete her 100 laps challenge in aid of UHB charity NHS Superheroes.

Gemma, now 17, and her sister Paige chose the charity because of the treatment and support provided by Birmingham Children’s Hospital.


Each day for ten days Gemma completed ten laps of her garden with the help of her dad and all her family cheering her on.

She finally finished her mammoth 100-lap task yesterday.

Staff at her 12US class at Chadsgrove School, Bromsgrove, said: “It was an amazing achievement considering everything she has been through.

“We are all so proud of her.

“Her parents and her sister are so supportive of both her and the school.”

Gemma had set herself a target of £1,000 but has so far had £1,420 pledged.

Gemma’s page is still live and people can still donate here.

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