23-year-old with acquired brain damage takes on litter-picking challenge for local disability charities

A young man from Cheshire who acquired brain damage at the age of six has set himself a charity challenge in aid of two charities that are close to his heart.

Loyd Wildridge, 23, from Great Sutton, has combined his passion for both fundraising and saving the planet by launching a litter-picking fundraiser – ‘Rubbish Roulette’ –  in aid of Children Today and Ellesmere Port, Chester and Neston Special Olympics.

Loyd is aiming to collect 45 bags of rubbish this summer across various locations in Cheshire and hopes to raise as much money as possible for these causes.

His mum Helen says:

“When Loyd was 19-years-old he joined Ellesmere Port Special Olympics and discovered a love of football and boccia, which has become an important part of his life.

“More recently, since learning about the problems with plastics in the ocean Loyd joined a local litter-picking group – the Ellesmere Port Wombles – and has made it his mission to help keep the streets, and ultimately oceans, clean!”

At six-years-old Loyd suffered a number of seizures and was put into a medically induced coma. Helen and the rest of the family were told to prepare for the worst.

Fortunately Loyd came out of the coma. However the seizures, caused by encephalitis, unfortunately resulted in acquired brain damage.   

Helen continues:

“After coming out of the coma we didn’t know what Loyd’s future would look like. He had to relearn to walk and talk, but he’s really never let anything stand in his way. Anyone who knows Loyd will tell you how determined he is. We’re so proud of him!”

In 2016 Loyd underwent multi-level surgery on both legs and Children Today supported him with funding for an adapted trike, to help with his physiotherapy and recovery following his operation.

Helen adds:

“Over the last few years, Loyd’s fundraising antics have made him something of a local legend – he’s raised over £4,000 for Children Today alone.

“Despite the barriers Loyd faces in his life he absolutely pushes himself to his limits, he always has a smile on his face and his cheeky character has got him far. He loves to help others, as his beloved Special Olympics and Children Today have helped him. Equally ridding our wonderful world of litter is etched into every fibre of Loyd’s being!”

Loyd has already collected 29 bags of rubbish and raised over £600 through his latest fundraiser, exceeding his £400 target.

Emma Prescott, charity director at Children Today, comments:

“Loyd’s dedication and enthusiasm for helping others never ceases to amaze us!

“We’ve come to know Loyd and his family well since he started taking on fundraising challenges in support of us. They are part of the Children Today family, and we can’t thank them enough for choosing to support us and help others. His and Helen’s zest for life is truly infectious.

“As a small charity, we depend on the generosity and kindness of strangers to continue doing what we do, so any donations small or large really do make such a big difference!”  

If you would like to support Loyd’s fundraising challenge you can make a donation here:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/h-wildridge

Pictured - Loyd has already raised more than £600 through his charity challenge.