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Fund raising

Walking for a Miracle: Coach's 4-Day Challenge Raises Funds for Noah's Ark Appeal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Martienus Thomas, a swimming coach from Llanrhystud, is embarking on a remarkable 4-day walking challenge from Aberaeron to Cardiff to raise money for the Noah's Ark Appeal. The inspiring initiative comes after one of his students, 6-year-old Lewis Danton, received life-saving care at the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales. Lewis was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition that left him struggling to walk. With the help of the Noah's Ark Charity, Lewis has access to vital support services, including music therapy, counselling, and physiotherapy equipment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Martienus Thomas, a one-to-one independent swimming instructor, is walking from Aberaeron to Cardiff to raise funds for the Noah's Ark Appeal.
  • The challenge is a response to the care provided by the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales to one of his students, Lewis Danton, who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Lewis spent four weeks relearning to walk at the hospital before losing mobility again, requiring him to stay at the hospital since November.
  • The Noah's Ark Appeal provides crucial support services, including music therapy, counselling, and physiotherapy equipment, to help Lewis recover.
  • The charity also offers practical comforts, such as pull-down beds, for parents to stay close to their children during hospital stays.
  • Martienus has already raised over £2,000 through a Justgiving page, with the proceeds going towards the Noah's Ark Appeal.
  • Each year, around 90,000 children visit the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, receiving specialist and often life-saving care.

Statistics:

  • 6 years old: The age of Lewis Danton when he began showing symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • 90,000: The number of children who visit the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales each year.
  • £2,000: The amount raised so far through Martienus' Justgiving page.
  • 4 days: The duration of Martienus' walking challenge.
  • 15 November: The date Lewis was initially discharged from the hospital but lost mobility two weeks later.
  • 18 July: The date Martienus will start his walking challenge from Aberaeron Primary to Noah's Ark Cardiff.
  • 13 January: The date Martienus visited Lewis at the hospital to spend time with him.

Sources:

  • [Martienus Thomas' statement, reported in "Martienus to walk from Aberaeron to Cardiff in aid of Noah's Ark Appeal"]
  • [Report on Lewis Danton's condition, as published in "Llanrhystud swimming coach's incredible challenge"]
  • [Justgiving page for Martienus and Lewis: https://www.justgiving.com/page/martienusandlewis]
  • [Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales: https://www.noahsarkhospital.org.uk]

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