Wonder woman actor Gal Gadot has donated thousands to a “real Wonder Girl” – a disabled six-year-old Brit doing a walking challenge dressed as the superhero.
Carmela Chillery-Watson, six, suffers from muscular dystrophy, and is now one week into a 2,000km walking challenge.
The Wonder Woman superfan is walking the equivalent distance from her home in Devizes, Wiltshire, to Ravello, Italy – the filming location of the new film.
And when the star of the film Gal Gadot found out, she said Carmela was her “true hero” and the “real wonder girl”.
The Hollywood actor also topped up the schoolgirls funding pot for Muscular Dystrophy UK by £3,442 – taking it to £6,000.
Messaging Carmela, Gal added: “You’re a true hero. So inspiring and strong. I hope one day we get to meet each other. Until then I’m sending you lots of love and a big, big hug!”
Carmela replied: “Oh my goodness, my superhero sent me a message! Thank you so much you have really put a bit smile on my face”
Dressed as her favourite superhero, Carmela and her mum Lucy started their gruelling challenge on September 1.
They hope to cover the distance in 30 days, before the film’s premiere on October 2.
Lucy said: “Walking 1km a day is the equivalent of a marathon for her Carmela who can not do things other children take for granted.
“I am so very proud of Carmela’s happy disposition every day throughout this trek. She is walking 10km daily with my help.
“She is unable to run, jump, and walk up steps or curbs. She has lost the ability to lift her arms above her head and has lost the strength in her neck.
“Simple tasks like scratching her head, itching her nose and brushing her teeth are a real battle. Walking the distance will be a huge personal challenge.
“But whilst her muscles are weak on the outside, her inner strength is unstoppable and her determination to live life to the full makes us all strong.
“Time is so precious for Carmela. She has lost five months in shielding and she desperately wants to complete her challenge before her condition robs her of her ability to walk.
“She started on the first day in September when she is returned to school, albeit just for a few hours.
“She is so determined to do all of this to raise money, so that Muscular Dystrophy UK can continue to provide care and research into conditions for children like herself.”
Catherine Woodhead, from muscular dystrophy, said: “COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our charity, Muscular Dystrophy UK.
“But we’re still committed to making every day count for the 70,000 people in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. Carmela’s fundraising challenge will help us to support research into rare muscle wasting conditions, like Carmela’s.
“We are currently co-funding a world class research project into Carmela’s condition, called LMNA-CMD. Her challenge will help us to get a step closer to our ultimate goal of finding a treatments or cure for muscle-wasting conditions.”
Gal Gadot, 36, born 30 April 1985, is an Israeli actress, model, and producer who was ranked by among the world’s highest-paid actresses by Time magazine in 2018.
Carmela is living with LMNA Congenital MD, which affects muscles used for movement and causes weak muscle tone and muscle wasting beginning very early in life.
Her family have raised more than £22,500 for MDUK since she was diagnosed, aged three.
To donate, please visit – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carmela-chillery-watson10