A Bedford teen whose hand was amputated when she was just 12 is taking on the world’s most iconic marathon to raise funds for the charity that supported her recovery.
Vienna Hayers, 18, is running the London Marathon for the children’s charity Rays of Sunshine, which grants wishes to seriously ill young people across the UK.
At 12 years old, Vienna was a passionate dancer and gymnast, but complications following a trampolining accident led to her needing her hand amputated.
Read: Sharnbrook girl ‘getting stronger’ after tragic accident
“It was a really dark time,” said Vienna. “I realised there was so much I loved that I’d never be able to do again.”
During her recovery, a hospital play specialist introduced Vienna and her family to the charity Rays of Sunshine. Soon after, she was granted her wish to meet the Sidemen, the YouTubers whose videos lifted her spirits during her recovery.
“I’d heard of other people having wishes but didn’t realise I could have one,” said Vienna.
“Having my hand amputated was a horrible, traumatic situation, but knowing that something positive could come out of it felt really special.”
Vienna’s wish took place at the world-famous toy shop, Hamley’s, in London, where she met the Sidemen in person. She described the experience as “surreal” and says it had a lasting impact on her.
“It gave me hope,” she said. “I was struggling at school at the time, and the wish really lifted my mood.
“It’s something I’ll always remember.”
Now, Vienna is determined to give back so that other children can experience the same joy.
“I only turned 18 in October, so this was the first year I could apply for the marathon,” she explained.
“I’ve always wanted to do something like this, and I want to raise money so other young people experiencing dark times can have wishes, just like I did.”
“I couldn’t even walk down the road; now I’m going to run the marathon”
Training for the marathon has been demanding, but Vienna says it makes her feel grateful for what her body can do now, as during her recovery, even short walks were difficult.
“When I was in hospital, I couldn’t even walk down the road,” she said.
“Now I’m going to run the marathon. It feels incredible to have come this far.”
Her motivation is also shaped by memories of other young people she met through her wish experience.
“There was a boy there who sadly passed away not long afterwards,” recalled Vienna. “It really hit home that for some, a wish might be the last really happy thing they get to do.
“That’s why raising as much as possible is so important.”
Rays of Sunshine relies on voluntary donations to continue granting wishes for seriously ill children across the UK, creating moments of joy and lasting memories for families during some of their most challenging times.
Vienna will take on the London Marathon on Sunday, 26 April, hoping that every mile she runs will help bring another child’s wish to life.
You can support her fundraising here.
