In an extraordinary display of community spirit, a young Midland girl battling cancer has received a record-breaking 60,000 birthday cards from bikers across the UK. Seven-year-old Amelia Kolpa from Rowley Regis beamed with joy as hundreds of motorcyclists delivered the staggering haul to her home, smashing the previous UK record for greeting cards received.
A Heartwarming Response to a Brave Girl's Challenge
Amelia, who was diagnosed with a rare neuroblastoma in her stomach at just two years old, has been in and out of hospital throughout her young life. Despite initially overcoming the cancer, it has unfortunately returned, and she is now receiving palliative care. In anticipation of her eighth birthday next month, her family embarked on a remarkable challenge to break the UK record for receiving the most greeting cards.
From Modest Goal to Viral Phenomenon
Amelia's mother, Katarzyna Bartczak, initially set a target of 8,000 cards. However, an online campaign urging kind-hearted individuals to drop off cards at three collection locations quickly went viral, capturing hearts across the globe. People from as far away as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States sent cards to support Amelia's quest.
Remarkably, just under four weeks before Amelia's birthday on March 3rd, an astounding 60,000 cards had been gathered. These will be added to the 23,000 cards already sent to the family, which they have carefully stored away, bringing the total to over 80,000 heartfelt messages.
Bikers Deliver Community Support
On Thursday, February 5th, hundreds of bikers from across the UK helped deliver the cards to Amelia's home in Rowley Regis. In heartwarming scenes, sackfuls of cards, balloons and gifts arrived at the family's home in three vans. Thousands of motorcyclists journeyed from the collection points in Stourbridge to Amelia's home just a few miles away.
Organisers Overwhelmed by Response
Hells Angel Matt Lem, who helped organise the collection, expressed amazement at the response. "The response has been amazing and we've collected in excess of 60,000 cards," he said. "Amelia's appeal snowballed, everyone involved has been overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to help smash the target."
Amelia welcomed the throngs of supporters and even managed to wave as the cards were amassed in large stacks within her home. Her aunt Charmaine Grace shared the family's gratitude, saying: "There is so much love and support for my niece. It's beautiful to know that everyone out there is with us on this journey, and there's still humanity in the world."
Creating Lasting Memories
Grace added: "Amelia is so happy to have the cards, she just smiles and that is lovely. We already have 23,000 cards which we have received and put into storage so we now have over 80,000 which is just amazing."
The family plans to create a special memorial from this outpouring of support. Amelia intends to open all the cards and assemble a massive collage of them to be showcased on a wall, creating a permanent reminder of the incredible community support she has received during her difficult health journey.
