‘Even a fall didn’t stop this superstar getting back out there again’
SCHOOLBOY WITH RARE MEDICAL CONDITION TAKES ON WALKING CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY
A PLUCKY Hull schoolboy with a rare medical condition has been inspired by the efforts of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore to walk, and wheel, a mile every day throughout the month of February.
Thomas Riley, 11, has already been an inspiration to many himself, claiming the Hull Daily Mail’s Golden Apple Award “Against All Odds” in 2019, in recognition of his amazing positive attitude and outstanding achievements.
Now, in the style of Captain Tom, Thomas, who loves football, wrestling and gaming, despite having Friedreich’s ataxia, is determined to go the extra mile for charity Ataxia UK.
His mum, Lucy Riley, said: “We’re so proud of him. Despite the challenges he faces each and every day, he approaches everything with a smile.
“Even on the tough days, he still pushes through to achieve his goal. He’s so grateful to everyone supporting him.”
Thomas, who struggles with mobility and is increasingly using a wheelchair and a walker, has not let that prevent him smashing his original £500 target for Ataxia UK more than eight times over and there are still days to go until his February challenge ends.
His grandma, Margaret Riley, said: “Even a fall didn’t stop this superstar getting out there again. Thomas doesn’t give in to anything.”
Since Thomas’s diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia, his family has made a tremendous effort to raise money for Ataxia UK, and awareness of ataxia, to support him.
His dad, James Riley, has completed more than a dozen running events, plus a marathon around their garden, raising thousands of pounds, while friends and other family members have taken on their own fundraisers and leant support.
Ataxia UK funds research into treatments and cures, and supports those affected by ataxia through its helpline, advice and information, branches and support groups across the country.
Sue Millman, CEO of Ataxia UK, said: “We are delighted to see Thomas’s courage and motivation in raising funds to support others in the ataxia community.
“His support and enthusiasm, and that of all our fundraisers, is vital in enabling Ataxia UK to support the thousands of people affected by ataxia.”
The ataxias are a group of rare, neurological conditions that disrupt the messages sent from the brain to the muscles, which makes communicating and moving a daily challenge. They are progressive and currently there are no cures for the majority of ataxias. Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common form of hereditary ataxia and symptoms usually begin in childhood, like they did for Thomas.
Anyone wishing to support Thomas can visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/28milesin28days for more information.
The Rileys also regularly update a family blog at www.lifeofrileys.org to keep followers up to date with Thomas’s journey.
We’re so proud of him. Despite the challenges he faces each and every day, he approaches everything with a smile
Lucy Riley, Thomas’s mum