MY SPONSORED GUILDFORD TO BRIGHTON CYCLE RIDE:

My name is Alex and I spent an amazing 3 weeks this May volunteering in Ghana with a company called Original Volunteers.

During my trip we met an amazing young boy called Felix who is in need of surgery and I decided I had to get involved in the fundraising. I would be really grateful if you could take some time to read Felix’s story...

Felix and his condition:

In October 2017, at the age of 15, Felix was diagnosed with a Complex Congenital Heart Disease called AVSD - he has two holes in his heart which have also caused pulmonary hypertension (a condition of the lungs). This diagnosis would not have happened if Felix had not been lucky enough to meet the amazing team at Original Volunteers Ghana.

Living in a small, isolated village in Ghana, you would assume there is no chance of improving his condition. He faces problems daily such as breathlessness, and the longer these holes are left the more likely heart failure becomes.

Now at 16 years old, he desperately needs surgery which could result in a near total recovery and allow this bright, optimistic boy a chance at a long, healthy, successful life.

Where the money will be going:

We are unable to find Felix treatment in Ghana, so a team are currently trying to find somewhere capable of carrying out his surgery. This is proving challenging, but if we are successful, we will need funds for the whole process: to pay for evaluations to double check his condition is operable, the surgery itself, post-care, a visa, flights and accommodation for him as well as someone to accompany him.

In the unfortunate case that the search for a suitable surgeon is unsuccessful, all the money raised will be going to Original Volunteers. This will then go to both Felix’s wellbeing (his medication, future hospital appointments, school fees etc) and to other projects Origional Volunteers Ghana are involved in. This mainly includes building, painting, teaching and outreaches to villages (please visit their website or facebook page for more info on what they do for the communities in Ghana).

What I am doing to raise money:

I am cycling with my mum from Guilford to Brighton (over 40 miles!) within the next few weeks and if you would like to sponsor me for the bike ride, any donation will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for any donations and for your time.