Sofia’s parents, Nick and Karen Crockatt, are also Ambassadors for MRF. Nick said, “Sofia was almost taken from us 10 years ago when she became ill with meningococcal septicaemia. She was a fighter and she survived the disease, and although it took her leg, it would never take her spirit. Sofia is excited to be part of this event which aims to challenge preconceptions of disability, whilst raising awareness of Sofia's nemesis - meningitis. By raising funds for MRF we hope to take a step closer in eradicating the life-threatening disease. It’s also the first time we’re able to take part in something together as a family.”
The event takes place on Saturday 19 August at Dorney Lake in Windsor. Sofia will have six superhero teams which include two other people affected by meningitis and two celebrity Paralympians, Carly Tait, a TeamGB Wheelchair Racer and Jaryd Wallace, a US Paralympic sprint runner.
Anyone wanting to cheer on Sofia and her superhero teams are very much welcomed to make the trip to Windsor. There may even be a chance to chat to top celebrities from the sports world, including MRF Patron and Paralympic champion, Jonnie Peacock.
Ian Beningfield, Head of Fundraising at MRF said, “We’re proud to be a charity partner of the Superhero Series and we’re grateful to Sofia and her superhero team for taking part in the event to raise funds for MRF. Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that strike without warning. One in ten people affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, blindness or hearing loss. The funds Sofia and her family and friends are working so hard to raise will be used to support MRF's lifesaving research into the prevention, detection and early treatment of meningitis. It will also allow us to continue raising awareness of the disease and support those affected.”