Inspirational teen to run Great North Mini Run for friend with rare condition

An inspirational teenage left partially paralysed by a devastating car crash is all set to run the Great North Mini Run this weekend to raise vital money for a little girl with whom she has formed a special friendship.

Earlier this year, the Daily Express exclusively revealed how 14-year-old Jessica Bootes had formed a special bond with two-year-old Robyn Parker Briggs, who suffers from an ultra-rare form of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which means her skin tears at the slightest touch.

Such is the severity of the condition that even playing with other children is deemed too much of a risk as even the most delicate of knocks would rip her skin.

Jessica was left nursing horrendous injuries after she was involved in a horror car crash caused by taxi driver Amir Azad ploughing into her family's vehicle 10 years ago in Jarrow, south Tyneside.

The crash left her paralysed down her right-hand side, blind in one eye and brain damaged.

Due to her brain injury, Jessica has the mental age of a very young child, but can still form strong bonds with others - and has done so with Robyn.

And now after months of special training to build up her stamina she is ready to tackle the three-quarters of a mile course to try and raise £10,000 money for the little buddy who she “loves to bits”.

Jessica said: “Robyn's family are in a difficult position and I really want to help them. Running is tiring and I will be pacing my myself by walking some of the way.

“I love Robyn to bits and I am excited to complete it and raise as much money as I can for her.”

Robyn's debilitating condition is getting worse as she becomes older and she has to visit Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary every other day for treatment.

Her parents Louise Parker, 40, and Mark Briggs, 43, have had to give up their jobs to provide her with round the clock care.

Louise, who is close friends with Jessica's mum Lisa Bootes, said: “It's been lovely to watch the friendship between the two girls blossom.

“Jessica really cares about Robyn, and we are so touched she wants to help. She's already raised an amazing amount of money and we're all very proud of her.”

Both families will be at the finish line in Newcastle on Saturday to cheer Jessica on as she completes her most gruelling challenge to date.

Full time mum Lisa, 42, who will be running alongside her daughter, said: “We've done a practise run already.

“Jessica did very well but she did say she found it tiring. I have every confidence in her, she will be amazing on the day.

“She's a very caring little girl and we couldn't be more proud. She's been through so much in her short life.

“To watch how far she's come has been brilliant.”

Taxi driver Azad was handed a mere £250 fine and slapped with six penalty points at South Tyneside Magistrates Court after admitting driving without due care and attention.

Jessica, who attends a special school, will never fully recover from her injuries.

So far Jessica has raised over £8,000 towards her target.

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/parkerbriggs-family