Celebrating Lia on her 9th birthday
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Today would have been Lia’s 9th birthday, the incredibly special young girl our charity is named after. Lia is the daughter of our Trustees, Patrick and Melissa Schoennagel. She lived her short life to the fullest but suddenly passed away, aged only five years. Her death has deeply affected those of us who knew and loved her. Driven by the loving determination of her family that something good would come out of this awful tragedy, Lia’s parents, Patrick and Melissa, as well as our charity's Board of Trustees and staff team, wanted Lia’s prematurely-ended life to be the catalyst for change at our small charity. We named our charity after her in 2023, and since then, our charity has grown significantly:
We’re reaching double the number of children and families.
We have supported 127 children in reaching vital medical care and support.
Five times more families overseas are receiving tailored support from our team.
17 families have been helped through our travel insurance advocacy service, navigating complex claims systems not designed for their rare circumstances.
21 families have been flown by medical escort flight, offering a safe, carefully monitored journey home when a full air ambulance isn’t required.
Over £226,000 has been raised through our Ride for Lia fundraising cycle challenges.
Over 250 family members have received emotional and practical support through the most difficult times.
Lia has transformed our charity.
Every day, she touches lives through Lia’s Wings, and on her birthday, that impact feels brighter than ever as we reflect on the difference she continues to make.
We’ve been truly overwhelmed by the love shared in honour of Lia on her birthday. This video brings together some of our favourite messages.
Thank you for all you continue to do, Lia. You are so dearly missed and endlessly celebrated.
