Star's Incredible Journey

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0:00:18 > 0:00:21That's me, Tiana, with my big sister, Star.

0:00:21 > 0:00:24We've both got a rare condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta,

0:00:24 > 0:00:27which we call Brittle Bones. This means we have to be

0:00:27 > 0:00:31really careful what we do, as our bones can break very easily.

0:00:31 > 0:00:39I've broken 37 times, but including my spine fractures, 45 times.

0:00:39 > 0:00:43Star has bow legs and she finds it hard to walk long distances

0:00:43 > 0:00:44and to climb stairs.

0:00:44 > 0:00:48To help her she wears her splints most of the time,

0:00:48 > 0:00:52and if she gets really tired, Star uses her wheelchair.

0:00:52 > 0:00:55This summer, my sister is facing a big, big challenge.

0:00:55 > 0:00:59Star is going on her first school trip ever, to Paris.

0:00:59 > 0:01:01She'll be away from us for the first time.

0:01:01 > 0:01:06Even though she's never walked more than two flights of stairs before,

0:01:06 > 0:01:10she will try to walk up over 700 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

0:01:10 > 0:01:15I'm right underneath, it's massive and I'm feeling quite nervous.

0:01:18 > 0:01:20This is Star's Incredible Journey.

0:01:22 > 0:01:24My name is Star.

0:01:24 > 0:01:27I'm her sister, Tiana.

0:01:27 > 0:01:30BOTH: And we're from Manchester!

0:01:30 > 0:01:33When I was one, I leant over to reach for a toy and I broke my arm,

0:01:33 > 0:01:37and the next day I did the same thing, and I broke my other arm.

0:01:37 > 0:01:40Once I just banged my arm onto my knee

0:01:40 > 0:01:42and it snapped, just like that.

0:01:42 > 0:01:45When I was really young, I stood up and both my legs broke.

0:01:45 > 0:01:49I was walking out the bathroom, I twisted my ankle and it just broke.

0:01:49 > 0:01:54I slipped on some water, and I broke my femur, which is in my thigh,

0:01:54 > 0:01:58and I looked like a frog because I had a green cast on.

0:02:00 > 0:02:02Brittle Bones is a genetic condition.

0:02:03 > 0:02:05Genetic means that you are born with it

0:02:05 > 0:02:08and you can't catch it off someone like a disease,

0:02:08 > 0:02:11and if you go near someone with Brittle Bones,

0:02:11 > 0:02:14you won't get Brittle Bones yourself.

0:02:14 > 0:02:16Brittle Bones means our bones are weaker

0:02:16 > 0:02:19and not as strong as someone without Brittle Bones.

0:02:19 > 0:02:23They would have broken one or two bones in their entire life

0:02:23 > 0:02:29but I've broken nine bones and Star has broken 37 bones.

0:02:29 > 0:02:34Me, my little sister Tiana, and my mum have brittle bones.

0:02:34 > 0:02:37But my older sister, Jasmine, and my dad doesn't have it.

0:02:37 > 0:02:41There are about 800 children in the UK who have Brittle Bones like us,

0:02:41 > 0:02:45and because we've both got it, we understand each other really well.

0:02:45 > 0:02:50Tiana is talkative. She loves singing and dancing.

0:02:50 > 0:02:54Sometimes she can get a bit annoying, like other sisters can.

0:02:54 > 0:02:56Budge it, budge it.

0:02:56 > 0:02:59You don't put it back in, Tiana, don't cheat.

0:02:59 > 0:03:01Sometimes we get on with each other.

0:03:01 > 0:03:05Because we break really easily, there are things Star and I

0:03:05 > 0:03:08would love to do, but we just can't.

0:03:08 > 0:03:10I can't do contact sport.

0:03:10 > 0:03:15I can't do trampolining, bouncy castles.

0:03:15 > 0:03:18I can't go in big crowds, in case I get knocked.

0:03:18 > 0:03:19I can't go roller-skating.

0:03:19 > 0:03:24My legs usually ache if I do a bit of walking.

0:03:24 > 0:03:26Even with all of this,

0:03:26 > 0:03:29my big sister, Star, is going to be taking on a massive challenge.

0:03:29 > 0:03:32She's off on a school trip to Paris.

0:03:32 > 0:03:36It's my first time being away from home,

0:03:36 > 0:03:38it's my first time to be in Paris.

0:03:38 > 0:03:42And she is going to try to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

0:03:42 > 0:03:44But she might not make it.

0:03:44 > 0:03:47I wanted to do some fund-raising for the Brittle Bones Society,

0:03:47 > 0:03:51and I thought that being sponsored to walk up the Eiffel Tower

0:03:51 > 0:03:53would be one of the best ideas.

0:03:53 > 0:03:58The tower is really big - it's over 324 metres tall

0:03:58 > 0:04:02and Star will have to use the stairs inside the legs of the tower

0:04:02 > 0:04:04to climb all the way up.

0:04:04 > 0:04:09That's 704 steps, 684 more than she's ever managed.

0:04:09 > 0:04:11I don't do that much walking,

0:04:11 > 0:04:15and I've never climbed that amount of steps before.

0:04:15 > 0:04:19I don't think I'll get all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but I'll try.

0:04:19 > 0:04:24If she gets tired out, she'll have to go all way back down

0:04:24 > 0:04:27to the bottom of the steps, so I'm quite worried for her.

0:04:28 > 0:04:32Star read somewhere that it was 600 steps to the top of the Tower.

0:04:32 > 0:04:36'And even though she's only ever walked two flights of stairs..' Ready, go.

0:04:36 > 0:04:40'..we decide to work out how long it would take her to get to the top.'

0:04:40 > 0:04:45..eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13. 13 steps!

0:04:45 > 0:04:50600 divided by 13.

0:04:50 > 0:04:5146 times!

0:04:51 > 0:04:55You've got to walk up and down the stairs 46 times.

0:04:55 > 0:04:57STAR LAUGHS

0:04:57 > 0:04:58Go on!

0:04:58 > 0:05:04- Hurry up!- One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,

0:05:04 > 0:05:06nine, ten,

0:05:06 > 0:05:0911, 12, 13... Phew!

0:05:09 > 0:05:12It'll take you ten hours to climb up the Eiffel Tower!

0:05:12 > 0:05:14Star likes to help other people.

0:05:14 > 0:05:16That's why she's doing this

0:05:16 > 0:05:21and I want to help her raise as much money as possible.

0:05:21 > 0:05:25I'm going to be getting sponsors from the teachers in my school

0:05:25 > 0:05:28and other people.

0:05:28 > 0:05:32My target is £894, because I think that's how high

0:05:32 > 0:05:35the Eiffel Tower is in feet.

0:05:35 > 0:05:38I'll sponsor Star at least one or two pounds

0:05:38 > 0:05:41because I'm trying to save up my money.

0:05:41 > 0:05:43So that's two pounds from ME,

0:05:43 > 0:05:50but Star will need to go flat out at school tomorrow to get her friends to sponsor her.

0:05:52 > 0:05:56It's eight o'clock and it's time for Star to go to school.

0:05:56 > 0:05:58She usually wears her splints to get around.

0:05:58 > 0:06:02They're like plastic legs.

0:06:02 > 0:06:05They go in your shoes and they go up the back of your leg.

0:06:05 > 0:06:08When I first got my splints,

0:06:08 > 0:06:13I didn't want anyone to know about them, so I wore pants for school so I could hide them.

0:06:13 > 0:06:18Now, nine months later, I think I've told most people.

0:06:18 > 0:06:20Most of them have guessed now

0:06:20 > 0:06:24and they're not bothered, so I feel less embarrassed wearing them now.

0:06:26 > 0:06:31'Because of her brittle bones, Star doesn't walk to school with her friends.

0:06:31 > 0:06:34'She goes a taxi on her own.'

0:06:35 > 0:06:37Star always arrives early

0:06:37 > 0:06:41so the other students don't bump into her and break her bones.

0:06:41 > 0:06:42This would be a disaster,

0:06:42 > 0:06:45so she is always helped by her friend Megan

0:06:45 > 0:06:47and Learning Support Assistant Mrs Taylor.

0:06:47 > 0:06:49What's your first lesson today, madam?

0:06:49 > 0:06:52'Miss Taylor is a teaching assistant.

0:06:52 > 0:06:55'She takes care of me during the school day.

0:06:55 > 0:06:59'We get along really well. She's, like, the best teacher.'

0:06:59 > 0:07:04- So how much are you hoping to raise for your sponsor form?- £984.

0:07:04 > 0:07:08- Very good, are you on target for getting that money?- I don't know.

0:07:08 > 0:07:12Star can't play in the playground or walk around the corridors

0:07:12 > 0:07:18with other students, either, so she has to wait until everything is quiet.

0:07:21 > 0:07:22What have you got now?

0:07:22 > 0:07:24- French.- Come on, then.

0:07:24 > 0:07:26Miss Taylor takes me to my lessons

0:07:26 > 0:07:32so I'm not in a rush, so I'm in the classroom before the bell goes.

0:07:32 > 0:07:35BELL RINGS

0:07:35 > 0:07:39Star is having her last French lesson before her trip to Paris.

0:07:39 > 0:07:44OK, year eights, you're going to start having your French conversation

0:07:44 > 0:07:47so that you're ready for when we go to Paris to make sure

0:07:47 > 0:07:50you can talk French all the time we're there.

0:07:50 > 0:07:52Star, what was it you wanted to know?

0:07:52 > 0:07:55We need to know what "to walk up 600 steps" is.

0:07:55 > 0:07:57OK, what's "to do"?

0:07:57 > 0:07:59- Fais...- "Faire", well done,

0:07:59 > 0:08:00"Je voudrais faire". "Fais" is I do.

0:08:00 > 0:08:04"Je voudrais faire" - I would like to do - "600 steps"?

0:08:04 > 0:08:07CHILDREN: Je voudrais faire...

0:08:07 > 0:08:09- Six...- Six...cent...

0:08:09 > 0:08:13- ..cent...- ..marches.

0:08:13 > 0:08:17- I don't think we would LIKE to! - STAR LAUGHS: We'll rephrase that!

0:08:17 > 0:08:21Shall we tell Star she's crazy? Tu es folle!

0:08:21 > 0:08:22Great, girls.

0:08:22 > 0:08:25I leave lessons five minutes before the bell

0:08:25 > 0:08:29so I don't get involved in the big rush.

0:08:29 > 0:08:31BELL RINGS

0:08:32 > 0:08:36At break and dinner, I stay in one room. When it's summer,

0:08:36 > 0:08:40and I'm inside school, it sometimes annoys me

0:08:40 > 0:08:43because I want to be outside with everyone else.

0:08:43 > 0:08:47If I was outside, I could get bumps, which could lead to breaking.

0:08:47 > 0:08:51'Star's friends Megan and Shania are helping round up some classmates

0:08:51 > 0:08:53'to complete her sponsorship form.'

0:08:53 > 0:08:55I think she's gone past...

0:08:55 > 0:08:59'As it's too risky for Star to go outside,

0:08:59 > 0:09:01they're bringing friends to her.'

0:09:01 > 0:09:04- Can I sponsor you £5, please?- Yeah. - I'll sponsor you £3.- Thank you!

0:09:04 > 0:09:07What are you raising money for, Star?

0:09:07 > 0:09:10- The Brittle Bones Society. - You all right?- Hiya!

0:09:10 > 0:09:12Thank you.

0:09:12 > 0:09:13Thank you.

0:09:13 > 0:09:15- Thank you. Thank you.- See ya.

0:09:15 > 0:09:17Thank you. Thank you.

0:09:17 > 0:09:20..30, 40, 50, 60, 70...

0:09:20 > 0:09:22Does that say 70 or 10?

0:09:22 > 0:09:2610. 'It went really well because from today,

0:09:26 > 0:09:28'I've got over £200'

0:09:28 > 0:09:30thanks to everyone in my class.

0:09:30 > 0:09:32£263.20.

0:09:32 > 0:09:34That's really good.

0:09:34 > 0:09:38Star has to spend lots of time away from the rest of her friends,

0:09:38 > 0:09:40which is sometimes lonely for her,

0:09:40 > 0:09:44but Mrs Taylor is always there to help out.

0:09:44 > 0:09:48I get support in technology,

0:09:48 > 0:09:52because if it's wood, it means sawing wood. I can't do that

0:09:52 > 0:09:57because my arms ache. And then cooking, if I'm making something,

0:09:57 > 0:09:58they ache quite a lot.

0:10:00 > 0:10:05In netball, I stay in one part of the court,

0:10:05 > 0:10:09and I can play and get involved, but I don't go near the others.

0:10:09 > 0:10:12But my sister still needs to raise money

0:10:12 > 0:10:16and she'll take any opportunity to reach her sponsorship target.

0:10:16 > 0:10:19- You want sponsorship? What for? - Walking up the Eiffel Tower.

0:10:19 > 0:10:22Walking up the Eiffel Tower? Definitely?

0:10:22 > 0:10:25You're not going to catch the lift all the way up? You sure?

0:10:25 > 0:10:29If my wife sponsors you £10, Miss Barrett has to sponsor you £20!

0:10:29 > 0:10:32She earns more than me, we can change it!

0:10:32 > 0:10:36'With all this sponsorship, Star better make sure she makes it to the top!'

0:10:36 > 0:10:39- Good luck.- Thank you very much. Well done.- Thank you.

0:10:44 > 0:10:45Every three months,

0:10:45 > 0:10:49Star and I have two days off school, which sounds great, but it's not.

0:10:49 > 0:10:53We have to go to hospital for medicine that strengthens our bones.

0:10:53 > 0:10:56We'd break even more if we didn't do this.

0:10:56 > 0:11:00- What bed are we in?- 11 and 12, down at the bottom as usual.

0:11:00 > 0:11:05I know when I'm due to come in to hospital because my legs and back start aching.

0:11:05 > 0:11:09The worst part of the treatment is having my cannula because it hurts,

0:11:09 > 0:11:13but I've got used to it now cos I've been coming so long.

0:11:13 > 0:11:17'A cannula is a small tube that is put into our hand using a needle

0:11:17 > 0:11:18'and it gives us our medicine.

0:11:18 > 0:11:21'I hate having mine fitted!'

0:11:21 > 0:11:22Star's first!

0:11:22 > 0:11:25I don't want to do it first. Her, please!

0:11:25 > 0:11:28Come on, Star, let's get you sorted. Jump on here.

0:11:28 > 0:11:32'I've been going to Sheffield Children's Hospital since I was two

0:11:32 > 0:11:35'but I still get scared about having my needle.'

0:11:35 > 0:11:36Brave, you, aren't you?

0:11:38 > 0:11:40All done.

0:11:40 > 0:11:42There we go. Perfect.

0:11:42 > 0:11:46'Tiana gets really scared about having her needle,

0:11:46 > 0:11:51'so I have to comfort her while she gets her needle, cos she gets stressed.'

0:11:51 > 0:11:53Let's have your hand.

0:11:53 > 0:11:54Good girl.

0:11:54 > 0:11:57Very brave, weren't she, Star?

0:11:57 > 0:11:59- You making sure I do it correctly?- Yep.

0:11:59 > 0:12:02Actually, I don't like looking away.

0:12:02 > 0:12:04Shall we tape it up?

0:12:04 > 0:12:09At last, it's over, and we can go back to our beds.

0:12:09 > 0:12:11We're hooked up to our medicine for four hours,

0:12:11 > 0:12:13and all me and my sister can do is wait...

0:12:16 > 0:12:19..and wait...and wait.

0:12:19 > 0:12:23'At night, I don't get much sleep.

0:12:23 > 0:12:25'It's not very comfortable

0:12:25 > 0:12:29'when I'm meant to sleep at night, and I've got to find a new position to sleep in.'

0:12:29 > 0:12:34'Even though the treatment strengthens our bones and helps with pain,

0:12:34 > 0:12:39'I still really don't know if Star will be strong enough to climb the Eiffel Tower.

0:12:39 > 0:12:43'It's two days until the climb

0:12:43 > 0:12:47'and we're off to another hospital to see more specialists, Angela and John.

0:12:47 > 0:12:52'They're going to check if my sister's legs are strong enough to carry out her challenge.'

0:12:52 > 0:12:54What training have you been doing?

0:12:54 > 0:12:56Have you been doing all your physio exercises?

0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Mm-hmm.- Yeah? She's a liar!

0:12:58 > 0:13:01- Have you been going up and down the stairs?- No.

0:13:01 > 0:13:06So can we just check your splints, is that all right, if we do that first? They're very worn.

0:13:06 > 0:13:11- I think these had better be padded before this special trip, don't you? - Yeah.

0:13:11 > 0:13:12'John is adjusting Star's splints

0:13:12 > 0:13:16'to help her have the best chance of finishing the climb.'

0:13:16 > 0:13:20All right, shall we have a look at your walking there?

0:13:20 > 0:13:21Well done, and back.

0:13:23 > 0:13:25- OK.- That is good, that. - Just come and stand in front of me.

0:13:25 > 0:13:28- So you can see why we still need the splints.- Yeah.

0:13:28 > 0:13:30Because they support her foot there.

0:13:30 > 0:13:34'The splints help to reduce the pain when Star walks

0:13:34 > 0:13:36'and that's going to be really important.'

0:13:36 > 0:13:40..Walking with your padded splints on then? Much better.

0:13:40 > 0:13:45- They do look better, don't they? - Yeah. John's done a good enough job to get you to the top.- Hopefully!

0:13:45 > 0:13:48'In just two days' time we'll see if they'll be up to the job.'

0:13:48 > 0:13:51- No problem, see you later, Star. - See you later.- See you.

0:13:51 > 0:13:55'Because of her splints Star can't wear the clothes she wants to

0:13:55 > 0:13:57'and she finds it annoying.'

0:13:57 > 0:14:02'If I have to wear my splints, I can't wear certain pants or jeans

0:14:02 > 0:14:03'and I can't wear'

0:14:03 > 0:14:06my favourite shoes because my splints won't fit in them.

0:14:06 > 0:14:09'But Mum has got a solution - new shoes!'

0:14:09 > 0:14:15Put that over your foot and then start lacing them back up

0:14:15 > 0:14:17and then you can be trendy and fold them over.

0:14:17 > 0:14:21- They'll make my feet look massive. - They won't.

0:14:21 > 0:14:26My mum didn't want me to go. She's really worried about it.

0:14:26 > 0:14:29I think she's just nervous about if I break over there

0:14:29 > 0:14:31and what she'd have to do.

0:14:31 > 0:14:35I am worried that she will fracture and it might ruin the trip.

0:14:35 > 0:14:39I'm worried about her getting tired, but she's just determined.

0:14:39 > 0:14:43'I'm excited about being away from home for the first time.'

0:14:43 > 0:14:46I can show my mum how independent I can be.

0:14:46 > 0:14:50Right, ice packs. If your ankle or anything gets swollen,

0:14:50 > 0:14:53or your knees, then I've got you some support bandages.

0:14:53 > 0:14:56I know I'm being mad but you've just got to be careful.

0:14:56 > 0:15:02Ankle support, knee support, ice box... She's being VERY careful!

0:15:02 > 0:15:05I got you plasters in case your shoes are rubbing.

0:15:05 > 0:15:07You don't have to take all of them.

0:15:07 > 0:15:10- SHE LAUGHS - Why are you laughing?

0:15:10 > 0:15:13You're taking the mickey out of me now! They might come in useful.

0:15:13 > 0:15:15'I think my mum's nervous'

0:15:15 > 0:15:19and worried and scared about me going away because it's my first time away from her.

0:15:19 > 0:15:21My first time away from home.

0:15:23 > 0:15:26She'll probably cry!

0:15:26 > 0:15:29'In just 12 hours, my sister will be off to France

0:15:29 > 0:15:32'and we still haven't raised enough money.'

0:15:33 > 0:15:35Who's sponsored today at school, Tiana?

0:15:35 > 0:15:39One teacher sponsored me five and then another sponsored £10.

0:15:39 > 0:15:45'We've got a target of £984 to raise but we'll only get all the money

0:15:45 > 0:15:47'if Star makes it to the top of the tower.'

0:15:47 > 0:15:52649, and what is 984 take 649?

0:15:54 > 0:15:57- Got to do your maths.- 335.

0:15:58 > 0:15:59SHE EXHALES

0:15:59 > 0:16:01Can we do it?

0:16:03 > 0:16:04Can you do it?

0:16:04 > 0:16:07'As Star is off to Paris in the morning,

0:16:07 > 0:16:11'it's up to Mum and me to round up the sponsors to hit our final target.'

0:16:16 > 0:16:19'It's seven o'clock and this is it.

0:16:19 > 0:16:23'Star's first school trip ever is about to begin.'

0:16:28 > 0:16:30I want you to text me

0:16:30 > 0:16:33when you get to your ferry, text me when you get to France.

0:16:33 > 0:16:36You're climbing the Eiffel Tower tomorrow.

0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Do you know how big it is?- Massive.

0:16:41 > 0:16:45- This suitcase does my head in. - I can't drag it cos then it'll fall.

0:16:48 > 0:16:49Mmm...

0:16:51 > 0:16:54So she's got bandages and she's got plasters, about 500.

0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Don't worry about it. - That's why her case is that big.

0:16:57 > 0:16:59She's got a chemist in there!

0:17:05 > 0:17:06And she's off.

0:17:06 > 0:17:10It's a really long way to Paris - about 500 miles -

0:17:10 > 0:17:14and it's going to take them the whole day to get there.

0:17:18 > 0:17:21The coach takes seven hours to get to Dover

0:17:21 > 0:17:27and then they're catching the ferry to cross the Channel to France.

0:17:27 > 0:17:29Oh my gosh, big boat.

0:17:29 > 0:17:31It's the first time Star has been on a ferry

0:17:31 > 0:17:37and she needs to take care she doesn't slip and break a bone.

0:17:37 > 0:17:40- It's gorgeous.- There's a boat over there. I didn't even notice!

0:17:40 > 0:17:44Then there's two over there and one over there. Two, one and one.

0:17:44 > 0:17:48An hour and a half later, Star arrives in France.

0:17:48 > 0:17:54She's still got seven hours before she gets to the hotel in Paris.

0:17:54 > 0:18:01- There's mine! I'm tired.- I just want my bed.- Can I have the key, then?

0:18:02 > 0:18:08We set off at seven and we've been travelling for 15 hours

0:18:08 > 0:18:12and we've only just got to the hotel.

0:18:12 > 0:18:15I'm climbing the Eiffel Tower tomorrow

0:18:15 > 0:18:17and I'm feeling a bit nervous.

0:18:17 > 0:18:20I'm going to try my best to get the top.

0:18:25 > 0:18:27It's the big day.

0:18:27 > 0:18:30Mum and I are back at home waiting for Star and Shania to call -

0:18:30 > 0:18:33we've got some exciting news for them.

0:18:35 > 0:18:42- Hia. You all right?- BOTH: Yeah. - Star has raised over £140 at school.

0:18:42 > 0:18:46You've got about £850 at the moment.

0:18:46 > 0:18:49- That's well good!- I know. - When you get back, you should thank

0:18:49 > 0:18:51all the teachers at our school.

0:18:51 > 0:18:54- I'll go to your school.- Bonne chance.

0:18:54 > 0:18:59That's "good luck" in French, we've been learning! Good luck, Star.

0:18:59 > 0:19:01- Be careful.- See ya.

0:19:01 > 0:19:05Star has to make sure her splints are on properly

0:19:05 > 0:19:09if she's going to get through the biggest day of her life.

0:19:09 > 0:19:12I think there's a chance that I'll get all the way to the top.

0:19:12 > 0:19:14- Ready to go?- Yeah.

0:19:17 > 0:19:21There are so many things to see in Paris, but Star'd better be careful

0:19:21 > 0:19:23she doesn't tire herself out,

0:19:23 > 0:19:26or she won't be able to achieve her challenge.

0:19:26 > 0:19:29I'm making of scrapbook of Paris.

0:19:29 > 0:19:33Star and her friends are also taking a boat trip along the River Seine,

0:19:33 > 0:19:37where they get their first glimpse of the enormous Eiffel Tower.

0:19:41 > 0:19:44- Oh my gosh, it's big!- I know.

0:19:47 > 0:19:51- We still walking up it? - Think you can do it?

0:19:51 > 0:19:54I don't know, but I'm going to try and go all the way to the top.

0:19:54 > 0:19:58- I'm a bit scared. What about you, are you still excited?- Yeah!

0:19:58 > 0:20:00I'm ready.

0:20:02 > 0:20:06- Bonjour!- 'With the climb less than an hour away,

0:20:06 > 0:20:09'will Star be fit enough to take it on?'

0:20:15 > 0:20:19- I need a quick sleep before I walk up the Eiffel Tower.- No, you don't.

0:20:19 > 0:20:24Star uses her wheelchair if she's really tired, so things must be bad.

0:20:24 > 0:20:28I use my wheelchair if I'm going on a long trip where it includes

0:20:28 > 0:20:31a lot of walking, but I really don't like using it

0:20:31 > 0:20:35because I feel embarrassed, because people stare at me when I'm in it.

0:20:35 > 0:20:38Star sees the Eiffel Tower close-up for the first time

0:20:38 > 0:20:41and she and the others who are climbing with her - Shania, Lucy

0:20:41 > 0:20:46and Mrs Taylor realise what they have let themselves in for.

0:20:46 > 0:20:51- Oh!- Oh my gosh!- Is it as big as what you thought it was?- A lot bigger.

0:20:51 > 0:20:56I'm right underneath - it's massive and I'm feeling quite nervous.

0:20:56 > 0:20:58I think I'll achieve the first level,

0:20:58 > 0:21:02- but it's well bigger than I thought it'd be.- It's going to be tiring.

0:21:02 > 0:21:03I get out of breath really quickly.

0:21:03 > 0:21:10Star's first challenge is the climb up to level one. That's 347 steps!

0:21:10 > 0:21:13Then, if she's not too tired,

0:21:13 > 0:21:18it's another 357 steps to the final level two.

0:21:18 > 0:21:20I'm scared.

0:21:20 > 0:21:22Miss, look at that! Oh, my gosh!

0:21:22 > 0:21:26The rest of Star's class is taking a much quicker route - the lift.

0:21:26 > 0:21:29That will get them to the top in minutes.

0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Star's brave, taking the stairs. - I wouldn't like to go up the steps -

0:21:32 > 0:21:36I'd be too tired, but I think Star'll be able to do it.

0:21:36 > 0:21:40- It looks like it's going to be a VERY long climb.- Right, here we go.

0:21:42 > 0:21:44- I'm tired already!- Don't say that!

0:21:44 > 0:21:48Star sets off climbing the stairs really fast

0:21:48 > 0:21:51and Mrs Taylor is worried.

0:21:51 > 0:21:57- Just go slow.- I don't like this. How many have I done?- Going past 40 now.

0:22:01 > 0:22:02What have we got to now? 100!

0:22:02 > 0:22:07She's going so quickly, she's already halfway to the first stage.

0:22:07 > 0:22:12- 140.- How are you feeling? - A bit nervous.

0:22:13 > 0:22:17I've just done 140 steps. I'm a bit tired, but I'm OK.

0:22:17 > 0:22:24- How many have we done now?- 170. - 170!- Whoo! Oh, my gosh. 230.- Wow.

0:22:24 > 0:22:29Wow. 250, I think.

0:22:29 > 0:22:32That is scary. Oh, my gosh - there's no banister!

0:22:32 > 0:22:35- There we go!- 320. First floor! Whoo!

0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Right, can we do the second one? - Star's made it to the first level -

0:22:40 > 0:22:43that's more steps than she's ever climbed before!

0:22:43 > 0:22:46I really didn't think she'd make it this far!

0:22:46 > 0:22:49- Is it as good as what you thought it'd be up here?- Better!

0:22:49 > 0:22:52I want to do the second now.

0:22:52 > 0:22:54But she's actually only halfway there

0:22:54 > 0:22:59if she wants to hit her goal of reaching the top.

0:22:59 > 0:23:01At home, Mum and I are waiting for the call from the top

0:23:01 > 0:23:04of the Eiffel Tower IF Star makes it.

0:23:04 > 0:23:07- How do you think she's doing? - I think she's doing well.

0:23:07 > 0:23:12- Do you think she's aching yet?- Yep. - Do you think she's in pain?- Yeah.

0:23:12 > 0:23:17- Do you?- Kind of.- I think she'll be OK.- I feel a bit nervous sick.

0:23:17 > 0:23:21- Do you? I do. I've got butterflies. - Can I go to the loo?- No!

0:23:24 > 0:23:26Star's slowed right down and it looks as if

0:23:26 > 0:23:30she's going to struggle to get much further.

0:23:30 > 0:23:34- Her classmates are already on their way down.- Just keep going.

0:23:34 > 0:23:38- You'll be fine.- Keep going. - Well done, star - you can do it.

0:23:38 > 0:23:41Keep going, you're doing great.

0:23:41 > 0:23:44I think she'll do it - she's got enough bravery.

0:23:44 > 0:23:47We've sponsored her, so I'm sure she will.

0:23:47 > 0:23:50It is quite hard, cos we've just walked down from the second floor.

0:23:50 > 0:23:55She gets involved in everything. I think, yeah, she will make it.

0:23:55 > 0:23:57She looked like she is doing great.

0:23:57 > 0:24:02Kaya said you've got another 600 steps to do, she went, "What?"

0:24:02 > 0:24:05Star is really tired now.

0:24:05 > 0:24:09She's been climbing for over an hour and must be in pain.

0:24:09 > 0:24:13I'm not sure if Mum and I will ever receive the call

0:24:13 > 0:24:14from the top of the tower.

0:24:14 > 0:24:19- We'll rest here a minute. Are you all right?- Yeah.

0:24:19 > 0:24:23- How's your legs?- Aching a little bit, but I can carry on.

0:24:23 > 0:24:26- Are you sure?- Yes.- Shoes not hurting or anything like that?- No.

0:24:26 > 0:24:29- Splints not rubbing?- No. - It's now been two hours,

0:24:29 > 0:24:33but my sister is not someone to give up easily.

0:24:33 > 0:24:39- All right?- 500.- Like, 100 more to go.- How long have you got to go?

0:24:39 > 0:24:44- Like, 100.- Unfortunately, there are actually 204 more steps to go.

0:24:44 > 0:24:45Oh, my gosh!

0:24:47 > 0:24:48550.

0:24:51 > 0:24:54I thought you said there were only 600 steps!

0:24:54 > 0:24:56No, I said there was about!

0:24:56 > 0:24:59Mum and I had been waiting three hours.

0:24:59 > 0:25:03We're really worried. We should've heard from my sister by now.

0:25:03 > 0:25:08Listen, it's half-past three, I think she should be nearly there.

0:25:08 > 0:25:11She should definitely... She can't climb for longer than this,

0:25:11 > 0:25:14I don't think.

0:25:14 > 0:25:20- 650!- Nearly there. Is anyone tired, because I am.- Me!- No.

0:25:20 > 0:25:22My legs are killing.

0:25:22 > 0:25:27Star has been climbing up 700 steps for 3½ hours.

0:25:27 > 0:25:29But she's still not quite there yet.

0:25:29 > 0:25:31- Whoa!- Are you all right?

0:25:31 > 0:25:35- Don't lose it on the last step. Don't lose it now!- Done it!

0:25:35 > 0:25:37My sister has made it!

0:25:37 > 0:25:40This way.

0:25:40 > 0:25:41Whoa!

0:25:41 > 0:25:44She has climbed the Eiffel Tower!

0:25:48 > 0:25:52- Star, you've done it - how's your legs?- They're aching.

0:25:52 > 0:25:54I need to sit down.

0:25:54 > 0:25:59Luckily for my sister, to get to the very top of the tower,

0:25:59 > 0:26:00you have to take the lift.

0:26:03 > 0:26:05- You all right?- Gosh.

0:26:05 > 0:26:10What none of us knew is that there is actually one more set of stairs.

0:26:11 > 0:26:15And if Star climbs these final few steps,

0:26:15 > 0:26:18she'll have truly completed her challenge...

0:26:18 > 0:26:22to reach the very top of the Eiffel Tower.

0:26:24 > 0:26:27RINGING TONE

0:26:28 > 0:26:33- Hello?- Mum?- 'Yes?'- I did it!

0:26:33 > 0:26:35Oh, have you?

0:26:37 > 0:26:38I'm dead proud of you.

0:26:38 > 0:26:42Yeah, I'm at the top of the Eiffel Tower!

0:26:42 > 0:26:44Well done, Star, are you all right? Are you in pain?

0:26:44 > 0:26:47- 'Are your legs aching?'- Yeah.

0:26:47 > 0:26:50- Miss Taylor's got some painkillers for you if you need them.- OK.

0:26:50 > 0:26:53- 'Tiana wants to say something.'- OK.

0:26:53 > 0:26:59- I'm very proud of you.- I love you, Star. You're so amazing.

0:26:59 > 0:27:01Mum, you're making me cry!

0:27:03 > 0:27:06- We're all sat here crying! - I'm not!- How do you feel?

0:27:06 > 0:27:10- 'Cold, tired and proud.' - Cold, tired and proud?

0:27:10 > 0:27:12You've reached your target, as well.

0:27:12 > 0:27:16£985.

0:27:17 > 0:27:19That's amazing!

0:27:19 > 0:27:21Star's had an incredible journey.

0:27:21 > 0:27:25She's been away from us for the first time ever,

0:27:25 > 0:27:29she's been on her first school trip and although we really didn't think

0:27:29 > 0:27:33she would, she's reached the top of the Eiffel Tower, which means

0:27:33 > 0:27:37she's raised nearly £1,000 for other children with Brittle Bones.

0:27:37 > 0:27:39'I'm really proud of you, you know.'

0:27:39 > 0:27:40So am I.

0:27:40 > 0:27:42'How do you feel?'

0:27:42 > 0:27:44Really proud.

0:27:59 > 0:28:01Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd