A nine-year-old boy with type 1 diabetes has competed a major physical challenge in a bid to raise money to support his sick sister.

Marley Pyle’s sister Ellie has been diagnosed with CASK gene mutatio, a rare condition which affects brain development and means she is confined to a wheelchair.

So far, Marley and others have raised £1,500 for the hospice Ty Hafa, a children’s hospice from which his sister receives a lot of her palliative care, by climbing the mountain Pen y Fan.

At 886m, it is the highest peak in South Wales and is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Ellie, who is now 13, first became ill when she was six months old. After she was diagnosed, her parents were told her survival rates were slim.

She was first admitted to Ty Hafan when she developed a series of chest infections, and was put on a ventilator as she was unable to breathe by herself.

It was during this stressful time for the family that Marley was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Having adjusted to his condition, Marley is now throwing himself into fundraising for his sister’s hospice by climbing Pen y Fan with his family.

On the event’s Go Fund Me page, it reads: “Please support us in raising funds for Ty Hagan [sic] – a charity that helps children with life limiting illnesses.

“This charity is so close to our hearts as it supports us greatly with much needed respite and care for our gorgeous princess Ellie.

“The money raised will be used to provide gaming equipment for the den – a place to leave your troubles at the door and escape from the troubles that life sometimes brings.”

You can donate to Marley and his family’s cause here.

Get our free newsletters

Stay up to date with the latest news, research and breakthroughs.

You May Also Like

Type 2 diabetes found to be a ‘significant risk factor’ among stroke victims

More evidence has been published which supports that diabetes is a “significant…

Conversation about doctors’ appointments occurring virtually rumbles on

More than half of GP appointments are still being delivered remotely in…

Public Health England considers low carb approach for type 2 diabetes

The low carb approach is being considered by the government to be…