Brain damage survivor raises almost £2,000 for children’s disability charity

A young man who suffered brain damage as a child has raised nearly £2,000 for a Chester-based children’s disability charity.

Loyd Wildridge, from Great Sutton, set himself the challenge of walking 10 kilometres in 10 different towns and cities this summer to raise funds for Children Today Charitable Trust.

The 22-year-old notched up more than 19 kilometres in total across Cheshire, Merseyside, the Wirral and South Wales and smashed his fundraising target of £300. 

Loyd wanted to support Children Today to help others like him, after the charity funded an adapted trike to help with his rehabilitation after an operation on both his legs in 2016. The trike helped Loyd rebuild his core strength and build up his leg muscles through gentle exercise.

Loyd’s mum, Helen, says: “We’re so proud of Loyd. He has a heart of gold and always looks out for others.

“In spite of his challenges, Loyd’s incredibly active and loves all kinds of sports. He enjoys playing football and boccia with the Special Olympics and he understands all too well how adapted equipment can help anyone with a disability become more active.”

After suffering with seizures Loyd was put into a medically induced coma at the age of six and was diagnosed with encephalitis – a rare and serious condition which causes inflammation to the brain – leaving him with irreversible brain damage.   

Helen continues: “It was such scary time for us as a family. We really thought we might lose him and at one point we were told to prepare for the worst. 

“Thankfully Loyd pulled through, but when he woke up, he was a completely different child from the Loyd we knew and loved. He couldn’t walk or talk. He was basically like a new-born baby again.

“Over the years Loyd has slowly relearnt these skills but he tires easily and has a leg discrepancy and suffers with back pain, so this was a huge challenge for him. Throughout the month he kept saying how tired he was, but I reminded him it wouldn’t be a challenge if it was easy!”   

Throughout his challenge Loyd was joined by friends and family, staff from Children Today and the Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Lisa Denson, at various locations including Chester Racecourse, Whitby Park and even Pembrokeshire while he was holidaying in South Wales.

As a huge Liverpool FC fan, Loyd chose to clock up some miles around Anfield stadium for one of his walks and was surprised by Liverpool FC mascot ‘Mighty Red’.

In addition, the football club gifted a signed shirt by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, which Loyd and Helen raffled off to raise an additional £500 for the charity, bringing the total raised to over £1,900 including gift aid.  

Loyd had a wonderful surprise, when the raffle winner’s 13-year-old daughter insisted that they give the shirt back to Loyd as a reward for all his charity efforts.

Helen adds: “We’re so grateful to Liverpool FC the kind donation and giving Loyd a boost with a visit from Mighty Red. When I found out Lee and Libby wanted Loyd to keep the shirt for himself, I couldn’t believe it. Loyd is such a huge Liverpool fan, so he was made up and I burst into tears!

“I can’t thank everyone who’s donated, bought raffle tickets, joined us for walks and cheered Loyd on enough! Your support, kind words and encouragement mean the world to Loyd – and me too. Thank you!”

This isn’t the first time Loyd has taken on a charity challenge for Children Today. Last year, he took part in the national virtual event 5K May and raised over £1,800 for the charity.

He’s also part of a local litter picking group, called the Wombles, in his hometown Ellesmere Port and is already planning his next charity challenge.

Emma Prescott, charity director at Children Today, who joined Loyd for part of his challenge in Chester, adds: “It’s safe to say that Loyd holds a very special place in our hearts here at Children Today. Anyone who has met him can’t help but be moved by his zest for life, kind-hearted nature and fall in love with his cheeky personality and sense of humour.

“We’re so grateful that Loyd chooses to support us, but mostly we feel very lucky that Loyd and Helen have become a part of the Children Today family. Thank you!”

You can still show your support for Loyd and make a donation by visiting:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/h-wildridge

Pictured - Lisa Denson, Mayor of Ellesmere Port, joined Loyd for his final walk at Whitby Park.