THE dramatic scenery of the Dorset coast will provide the backdrop as a mother completes an emotional journey in memory of her daughter.

Natalia Spencer has been walking around the coastline of Great Britain to raise funds for a children’s hospital after her ‘exceptionally beautiful’ daughter Elizabeth died, aged just five.

Durdle Door was the last beach Natalia, 41, and Elizabeth ever visited together and it is here that Natalia is set to complete her incredible 6,000 mile journey next week.

The mother’s extraordinary efforts have already raised more than £100,000 for Bristol Children’s Hospital’s The Grand Appeal.

She has been named Endurance Fundraiser of the Year for 2016 by JustGiving.

Elizabeth fell ill with a relatively common virus which triggered a rare autoimmune condition. 

After 18 days on life support, she passed away on December 10, 2015.
Natalia said her daughter loved the seaside and that she felt much closer to Elizabeth at the coast. 

On February 14, 2016, just six weeks after her daughter’s death, Natalia set off from Durdle Door. 

She is due back on Tuesday, February 7, having walked the entire coastline of Great Britain.

Natalia, from Cheltenham, said: “Throughout the last year I have been determined to do absolutely everything I can and more to justify the tragic loss of my daughter, and to create a lasting and beautiful celebration of her short, but bright, life on Earth. 

“It has been an incredible journey in which I have been touched by the kindness and generosity of so many strangers. 

“So much good has come out of my tragedy and I plan to continue my fundraising for Elizabeth’s Footprint with new projects over the coming months. 

“I can’t think of a better way to create an amazing legacy for my precious Elizabeth than to help other critically-ill children in the future.”

The funds raised by Natalia will provide vital equipment for Bristol Hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Writing on her JustGiving page, Natalia said: “Elizabeth was an amazing and very special girl, she loved life and was always happy. 

“She was my little ‘chatterbox’ with an infectious smile and a very kind, generous, caring heart which was full of love. 

“She was exceptionally beautiful inside and out. 

“I miss her every second of every day. In memory of my beautiful girl, please give as much or as little as you can.”

You can follow Natalia’s journey at www.elizabethsfootprint.com or on Facebook by searching ‘Elizabeth’s Footprint’. 

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Natalia-Spencer