A TODDLER from Bude has recently taken part in a Superhero Toddle, raising money for Derriford Hospital’s Gold Dust Appeal.

Two-year-old Leya Raper was born with Bilateral Vocal Paralysis, and undertook the procedure of inserting a tracheostomy tube into her throat, allowing her to breathe. Unfortunately, she didn’t have a voice, and was prone to infection.

Leya and her family were supported by the Ear, Nose and Throat team at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, and they spent many months after her operation on the HDU and Woodcock units with the outstanding care of the nurses.

Last year, Leya surprised her entire family when her vocal chords started working, and was able to have her tube removed last June.

Since then, she has unfortunately developed asthma, narrowing her throat and tracheomalacia, resulting in the toddler having difficulty in breathing.

The Raper family are currently waiting to see a specialist in Bristol to work out a plan of action to ensure Leya has a safe airway.

On Saturday, June 4, Leya dressed up in her heroic costume to tackle the Superhero Toddle, held at the Brickfields Sport Centre in Plymouth to raise money for Derriford Hospital’s Gold Dust Appeal.

Overall, Leya raised an astonishing £600, and her Just Giving page is still available online to donate to.

This money will be a great contribution to the £100,000 goal that Derriford Hospital wants to achieve to be able to create a calm, reassuring environment to distract the patients from clinical procedures, and to provide greater comfort and privacy for the children and their families.

Casey Speare, Leya’s mother, said: “Leya took part in the Superhero Toddle to give back to the amazing doctors and nurses who have helped not only her, but myself and Dan in what has been a very difficult time.

“I cannot explain how supportive, loving and caring the staff that looked after Leya were and still are when we have the occasional visit. They were just as amazing with myself and Dan when it came to supporting us in what was a massive step in our lives.

“The love and care they showed to our daughter and us while we went through this tough time will never be forgotten, and I still constantly thank them now.”

To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/Leya