Schoolgirl's Big Push Worcester marathon for long Covid kids

Libby Parker now needs a wheelchair and is unable to do more than three hours of school a week - despite initially not having any Covid symptoms. 

Libby, an RGS pupil, fell ill weeks after being diagnosed with Covid on August 1, 2021.

One year on she has been left with ongoing difficulties from the debilitating condition.

Libby, aged 14, said: “Since August 2021, I have struggled with fatigue, nausea, racing heart, brain fog, and various other symptoms.

"I have been unable to attend school full time, most weeks three hours has been my limit, some weeks I haven’t been able to go in at all."

Her mum, Helen Parker, said: "Libby was asymptomatic at first, we only knew that she had Covid because we did a lateral flow test and then a PCR.

"Three weeks later she started developing symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and reduced cognitive function.

"Now, she can only attend school for around three hours a week because physically, she just can't do it."

Libby, from Bewdley, said when she began to struggle she was told by her doctor that she could not be diagnosed with long Covid until she had the condition for 12 weeks.

Mum Helen added: "Long-Covid is the unknown pandemic that is still to come.

"We still don't know how it will affect the population as a whole.

"Libby is one of many people who this will be affecting."

Mrs Parker and her husband, Russel Parker, are thrilled with the support they have received, having raised over £4,000 so far for Long Covid Kids.

Libby Parker undertakes marathon in her wheel chair to raise money for long-Covid sufferers (Image: Libby Parker undertakes marathon in her wheel chair to raise money for long-Covid sufferers)

Libby now wants to raise more awareness of the condition and has invited sports stars and celebrities to help her with a charity initiative called "The Big Push."

Some of the big names getting involved are English cricketers Maia Bouchier and Thea Brookes, British journalist Helen Lewis and lead vocalist of the rock band Royal Tusk, Daniel Carriere.

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'The Big Push' will see Miss Parker being pushed by celebrities, as well as her friends and family, the length of a marathon around Worcester.

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She said: “I will be asking supporters to push me the length of a marathon around Worcester to raise awareness and funds for ‘Long Covid Kids’.

"They provide essential support for children and their families who are trying to navigate the difficult world of Long Covid.

"The event will finish at RGS Worcester, so please join us and give generously.” 

You can donate to Libby's Go Fund Me here.