By Ruth Dowds
THE quality of life of a 16 year-old Newtownards wheelchair user is set to be transformed thanks to members of his mum’s gym.
The combined efforts of a team from CrossFit Resplendent in the town has raised more than enough to buy a specialised all-terrain wheelchair which will enable Daniel Smyth to visit some of his favourite local places.
The teenager, who has an extremely rare genetic condition which causes profound and multiple learning difficulties, loves to visit forest parks and beaches but his NHS prescribed wheelchair made such trips difficult.
His mum Claire casually mentioned this to another gym goer and before she knew it members had set themselves a gruelling 4x4x48 challenge, which took place over the first weekend of August.
Nine members ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours around Newtownards, whilst a further 30 members completed the challenge in relay teams of four.
“The guys absolutely smashed their £5,000 target. I was overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, especially when times are difficult for a lot of people,” said Claire.
“It was amazing to see so many people get behind it and people left such lovely messages on the JustGiving page.
“Daniel just loves being out and about outside and it’ll make such a difference to his life because he doesn’t often get the opportunity to do many of the things that the rest of us take for granted,” she added.
Claire, her husband Johnny, younger son Charlie and a family friend formed a team of four and each did four runs totalling 16 of the 48 miles of the challenge.
“We all completed the run by taking it in turns to push Daniel up the hill of the Tullynagardy Road in his current wheelchair,” says Claire.
They are now in the process of ordering Daniel’s wheelchair and hope to have it before Christmas.
“It’ll make such a huge difference to his life and to ours as well,” adds Claire.
Mark Roseberry, owner of CrossFit Resplendent, said: “When putting the plan together, I knew the 4x4x48 challenge was going to be a tough test. It didn’t disappoint, proud is an understatement of everyone’s efforts this weekend to enable Daniel to enjoy life more with the aid of the specialised wheelchair.
“Now with the money raised by all the CrossFit Resplendent crew we are able to fulfil our promise.”
