Pat’s NF Fundraiser Walk
02 February 2021
Patrick, who lives in the Leamington area, was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) a long time ago. He’s used to facing barriers in life as his NF2 has caused a number of benign tumours to grow across his body, which has unfortunately led to his mobility slowly reducing.
Despite Patrick’s daily challenges, he decided that he wanted to help others that are affected by Neurofibromatosis. He decided to start his own fundraiser, with the challenge of walking 14 miles over 7 days, all whilst on crutches – a Herculean effort! In his words, he wanted to “Raise awareness of the challenges people with physical disabilities experience in day to day life and so I hope even just a few people recognise that people can be struggling with a lot more than what they show on the surface."
"I constantly heard people complaining about how they could no longer go out and see friends or go to the pub/clubs and so on. It made me realise that some people do not realise that those with physical difficulties experienced those exact feelings every day before the lockdowns and I hope to raise awareness of those challenges as well as raise some funds to help people growing up with the same condition I have had my entire life."
Tune in to see Pat’s story on BBC Midlands -
Pat walked in a different location in the Leamington area each day with friends and family from his support bubble.
Day 1 – Southam
Braving the snow & The first leg of his challenging walk was in his hometown in Southam accompanied by his sister Hannah and mum.
Day 2 - Jephson’s Gardens
Taking on the cold yet again alongside his brother, sister and mother “it was a chilly day out today but having my family with me today was comforting and pushed me to finish the 2 miles today.”
Day 3 – Completing another 2 miles in Newbold Comyn
Day 4 - Leamington Parade
Over halfway done, the challenge continues! “feeling absolutely knackered but looking forward to the next one.”
Day 5 - Foundry Wood
Patrick is used to facing adversity. "I walked around a different sort of environment today. Mainly woodland areas" which obviously took more strength to master.
Day 6 - Newbold Comyn
Only 2 miles to go! Tackling the mud and the rain with his friend in Newbold Comyn today.
Day 7 - Victoria Park
Reaching the finish line today to a huge round of applause!
Even though “It was quite difficult getting through some of the days.” Patrick managed to complete his fundraising challenge saying, “the messages and support I have received from so many people spurred me on to pick up my head and push through the challenge.”
Support Patrick and the 26,500 affected by NF in the UK.
Read Patrick's story in his own words
SupportShare Pat's BBC interview with your friends and family on social media by copying the following -
Support the 26,500 people affected by Neurofibromatosis, like Patrick. Pat shares his story with the @BBC, sharing his motivation for starting his fundraiser and why he wanted to help others affected by NF. Tune in here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-55889321
“It’s mind-blowing to see so much money come in and so much support from people. It couldn’t have gone better, to be honest.”
Media in Support of Patrick's fundraiser and the Nerve Tumour Community in the UK
Filter News
Crazy Nanna Hazel & Evie
4 year old Evie's NF1 diagnosis impacted the whole family. Hazel shares Evie's story from a grandmother's perspective
Read More2024 Friedrich von Recklinghausen Award
Professor Rosalie Ferner, Trustee and Member of the Nerve Tumours UK Medical Advisory Board receives this year's award
Read MoreBecome a Trustee
Nerve Tumours UK are looking for at least two new trustees to join the Board. Find out more
Read MoreGuy’s Hospital NF Centre Coffee Meetings
Guy's Hospital Neurofibromatosis Centre Coffee Club 2024
Read MoreLiz’s NF1 story: This is the real me
Liz describes growing up with NF1, difficulties at school, spinal surgery and raising awareness by writing a poem about NF.
Read MoreStronger Together Rare Conference
Read this review of the conference and find out where to access further support
Read MoreGisela’s NF2 story
Gisela has NF2 & has a positive outlook on life, she has just completed a 265km walk during World NF Awareness Month
Read MoreOxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital celebrate NF2 Awareness Day
We set out to promote and educate people about NF2 & the service offered in Oxford & Southwest Region for patients
Read More