Inspirational girl with cerebral palsy defies her condition by scoring a goal in front of her ice hockey heroes – WalesOnline

This was the heartwarming moment a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy skated the length of an ice rink before scoring a goal all the while being cheered on by some of the UKs biggest names in ice hockey.

Mia Thorne, from Cilfynydd near Pontypridd , completed her year-long challenge by skating across Cardiffs Ice Arena Wales as part of the UK Charity Allstars Weekend and defying her condition, known as congenital hemiplegia.

The condition meant Mia could once hardly walk but she has achieved the seemingly impossible after a year of practising as well as raising more than 6,000, smashing her fundraising target.

Her mum, Karene, said: It was a magical moment. All of the ice hockey players who took part in the event divided and were chanting Mias name, hitting their sticks against the floor in support. There wasnt a dry eye in the house the atmosphere was beyond. They all knew how hard she has worked and struggled this past year to get to this point.

Mia was really overwhelmed by it all. Although she was a little bit nervous at the start the more they were chanting the more she was determined to do it.

Before beginning this latest challenge Mias doctors and mum Karene had safety concerns as her condition means she has trouble balancing and her joints are prone to dislocating.

But last summer, after going to the 2016 event, she persuaded doctors and her parents it was what she wanted to do and they allowed it so long as she paced herself. Her physiotherapy was also increased to help her body cope with the demands.

Mum Karene said Coedpenmaen Primary School pupil Mia had suffered lots of falls.

She added: It has been very hard emotionally and physically on her. Shes become more lethargic and had to use the chair more than she has ever done because its an immense amount of pressure on her body but it has made some of her muscles a lot stronger and her confidence has grown enormously. Shes now even more determined than she was.

Having completed the challenge and after years of fundraising Mia is now an ambassador for both Caudwell Children and Dreams Come True.

She was also awarded the Grant Hubback Award for her year-long effort, an accolade usually reserved for players who go above and beyond, on top of her receiving the prestigious Diana Award in 2016 .

Mia completed the challenge on Saturday ahead of the annual weekend-long events Allstars tournament, with various big names in ice hockey in attendance including Cardiff Devils legend Ian Cooper and Swindon Wildcats Maxim Birbraer.

Mias effort came as part of a larger fundraising campaign at the Allstars weekend, which raised more than 130,000 in total the highest amount ever.

Karene added: Id like to thank all the players who have continued to support her throughout the year. Their support has just been tremendous. It made it such a proud moment to see her do the challenge and Mia is already thinking about what she will do next.

To donate to Mias cause, click here .

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Inspirational girl with cerebral palsy defies her condition by scoring a goal in front of her ice hockey heroes - WalesOnline