A determined mother is getting ready to “face off” with a seaside town in honour of her daughter who was diagnosed with a rare gene mutation as a baby.

Lisa Ayton will be returning to Cromer on the north Norfolk coast after being unable to complete a charity walk for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each) due to missing a time cut-off. 

The cause is one close to her heart as her 12-year-old daughter Abbie is supported by the charity due to her many health complications including epilepsy and hypertonia. 

She is also prone to chest infections and is fed via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, a procedure in which a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. 

She has been receiving hospice care since she was a year old.

Eastern Daily Press: Abbie Denston - Picture: EachAbbie Denston - Picture: Each (Image: East Anglia's Children's Hospice)

Ms Ayton, 37, said: “We weren’t aware of any problems when she was born but ended up in hospital when she was six months old, after her first seizure. 

“It was such a scary, torturous time.  

“She spent more than a fortnight in intensive care, and we were told she’d never come off her life-support machine. 

“Thankfully, she defied the odds, but it wasn’t until she was five that we were given a proper diagnosis.” 

With her partner Adam, the couple have two other children; Jake, 16, and Tyler, eight. Jake has autism while Tyler has learning difficulties and ADHD. 

“Having three children with special needs is hard work and incredibly intense,” she added. 

“There are times when I feel beyond tired. In fact, I’m completely exhausted. 

Eastern Daily Press: Lisa Ayton with her partner Adam, and their three children - Picture: EachLisa Ayton with her partner Adam, and their three children - Picture: Each (Image: East Anglia's Children's Hospice)

“Abbie’s such a lovely girl. She’s great fun and very special to be around. 

“She’s non-verbal but has her own way of communicating, including lots of sounds, and her personality shines through. She makes lots of great facial expressions, especially when she’s happy and excited about something. 

“I’m very proud of her and she melts my heart.” 

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Now, the determined mum has admitted to having “unfinished business” after signing up for a gruelling 32-mile walk along the Norfolk coast. 

She is taking part in the Each Pier 2 Pier fundraiser on June 10. 

It will be the second year in a row she has laced up her walking shoes, although she just missed out on completing the full distance last time around after arriving late at the third pit stop. 

In total, she walked nearly 25 of the 32 miles but had to get a lift to the final checkpoint because she was not on track to finish within the allotted 12 hours. 

She plans to make amends this time around.

Eastern Daily Press: Abbie Denston enjoying time at Each - Picture: EachAbbie Denston enjoying time at Each - Picture: Each (Image: East Anglia's Children's Hospice)

She said: “It’s a long way and I’m a bit nervous, but I’m going to be better prepared this time and have started doing some training walks. 

“I’ve got unfinished business and feel very determined after what happened last year. I just had to go back. 

“I was gutted not to complete the whole distance, especially as we were only a few minutes late arriving at the checkpoint. 

“It meant we needed a lift, but I was still able to walk the final three and a half miles and cross the finish line. 

“Overall, it was a great experience, and the good thing is I know what to expect this time around. 

“I’m going to train even harder and be better prepared.” 

Ms Ayton will be joined by friends Jessica Deakin and Shannia Hodge, and her brother-in-law and his dad are also due to join the team.