Last weekend Ballymena lad Sam McBride (11), took part in the #CaptainTom100 challenge to raise money for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. Sam who has complex health problems, aimed initially for 100 steps each day, but by Monday (3 May) he smashed this target when he finished up on 4,122 steps.
The aim of the #CaptainTom100 was to encourage people to fundraise for a charity of their choice, based around 100, while remembering and celebrating the wonderful Captain Sir Tom Moore who raised so much money for the NHS last year.
In Captain Sir Tom’s memory, and for the NI Children’s Hospice, Sam decided he would try and walk 100 steps daily, Friday through to Monday. This was a massive challenge for Sam, who experienced a deterioration in his already limited mobility with having to shield over the past year due to his complex health issues and risk during the pandemic.
Sam attends the Children’s Hospice, while his mum Elaine is a committed member of the Ballymena Hospice Support Group, and they both love to support and fundraise for this vital service for many local families in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland.
Proud mum Elaine said:
“Sam’s participation in the #CaptainTom100 challenge over last weekend has blown us all away.
“Last month, after a long wait, Sam finally got a new set of Piedro boots to help strengthen his ankles and feet, and correct his posture. We thought 100 steps would be sufficient, but Sam wasn’t having any of it. At the end of Sunday he had walked 3005 steps, and completed his challenge on Monday with an amazing 4,122 steps.”
To date, Sam has raised over £1,200 for his charity, through his online Just Giving page.
“Your donations and your encouraging words have given us all the boost to smash his target out of the water. If you would like to help Sam out, you can still donate at the link below!
“All money raised is going to the NI Children’s Hospice, an amazing charity that provide care, support, advice and respite for many children with life limiting or life threatening conditions, and their families. Your donations will provide hours of specialist care, provide a respite stay for a family in need and provide invaluable support to those families who have lost a little one.
“Thank you for supporting our Sam!”
Well done Sam! Ballymena is proud of you.
DONATE:
Comments