Tom’s Fight

The Challenge: FORT WILLIAM to FORT AUGUSTUS 19-26th August 2020

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. The reaction and support has been overwhelming and far exceeded our initial target of £15000.

Our first swim challenge took us from Bradford upon Avon to Bristol, 36km over 2 days raising £19,000! Tom’s Fight is just beginning and so we have brand new challenge. We aim to raise at least £10,000 more and our next swim is FAST approaching!

The second swim will begin with a climb of Ben Nevis and then a swim from Fort William to Fort Augustus, through the Caledonian Canal and Lochs, covering over 26 miles through freezing waters. We aim to return by canoe and get back to the summit of Nevis to complete the challenge, all within 5 days. We will be continuing to raise awareness and funds for Tom’s fight and a military charity who have so kindly helped us with a support vehicle and the lending of canoes.

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More on Tom...I have known Tom my whole life, our families grew up together, an adoptive younger cousin to me.A second year Durham University student, an Old Alleynian, a Liverpool Football Club and Leicester Tigers fan and at the weekend as lock down began to lift, Tom suffered life changing injuries.

Whilst diving into a swimming pool on a Saturday afternoon, he fractured his neck in two places and sustained a very serious spinal cord injury. His friends saved his life, however, Tom turned in an instant from being an extremely active 20 year-old, to a boy that doctors say may be paralysed from the chest down.

Tom is an outstanding sportsman. At this stage we, his family and friends, do not know what kind of recovery he will make. His spinal cord isn’t entirely severed and therefore there is every reason to be optimistic about his potential for recovery and for him to go on and lead the life he was so excited about. However, to do this he will need a lot of care, rehabilitation and physiotherapy. We were shocked to find out that he wouldn’t automatically get a bed in a rehabilitation centre, and if he does his rehabilitation will be limited. Although Tom has a great support network around him with two older brothers, a younger sister, his friends and loving parents, his motivation and determination can only take him so far. It is essential he receives the medical care that can help him get the most movement back as possible.

The fund target will cover a bed for him in a rehabilitation centre and physio plan, general rehabilitation and mental health support. Giving Tom the very best chance for a fully active life. We are so grateful for any amount that people can donate. We have established ‘Tom’s Fight’ as we are all determined to fight to give our dearest friend the best opportunity for a full rehabilitation.