Emma was 22 weeks pregnant when she found out her baby had club foot.
Sat in a waiting room, she felt so thankful for the support of the NHS that she made a promise to herself and her baby “to face this journey with courage, love, and a commitment to give back”.
Wilbur was born on May 13, 2024. At three weeks old, he began treatment through the Ponseti method, which is a nonsurgical process that uses casts and braces to help with foot function.
Talking to CHALFONTS&GERRARDSCROSSnews, Emma said: “We have such an amazing healthcare system here.
“I want to share that if you are a mum that has been told your baby has club foot, there is so much support – it makes you realise how lucky we are.”
Emma, who is from South Africa, decided to help by “giving back to the place where I grew up”.
Despite never having ridden a bike before, Emma decided to start cycling in November and completed much of her training around The Chalfonts.
Shortly afterwards, she began her Pedal for Wilbur campaign to raise money for STEPS South Africa. Having helped more than 20,500 children, the charity supports and expands effective treatments for club foot patients in South Africa.
Throughout 2025, Emma is cycling every day and taking part in a long-distance event each month, culminating in the 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour.
In January, Emma cycled 105km and completed her first sportive event in Chalfont St Peter.
Emma shared: “Wilbur has changed my perspective on the world. My determination comes from the fact I am not doing this for myself, I am doing this to try and raise money and to do it for someone else.”
You can donate and follow Emma’s incredible journey at www.shorturl.at/DkbaO and follow her Instagram and Facebook @PedalforWilbur.
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