A dear friend of mines' Son Thomas has been diagnosed with ALD. Words can't describe the devastating effect this has had on him and his family. As you can see from the updates on the existing page:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thomsstory?utm_term=jjAKJdYj2

any donations raised are adding huge value to providing Thomas and his family financial support.

On the 23rd June I, along with 3 friends, will be walking 106 miles. (not quite worthy of a Proclaimers accolade but pretty tough!). We will start at Cardiff Bay, following the Taff trail to the Brecon Beacons. We will scale and descend Pen Y Fan, following the horse shoe route. Camp at the foot, then walk back to the Bay the following day. If you can find it in your hearts to donate to this worthy cause it would be greatly appreciated.

As detailed above, my funds will be linked to an existing JustGiving crowd funding page created by his friend Finley. Details can be found below:

My name is Finley. I am 7 years old. My best friend Thomas has been diagnosed with ALD (I can’t say what it is called and I’ve had help to spell it on here - adrenaleaukodystraphy).

Thomas was very poorly and ended up in hospital. He had lots of tests and the doctors said he has ALD. He has to take lots of medicine but that’s helped and he has been allowed home. I miss him at school and it’s not fun when he’s not there, I miss him coming to my house to play with me too. Normally Thomas would be my partner on school trips but I’ve been upset that he has missed our trip to the Castle and wasn’t with me. I really want Thomas to come back to school but don’t know if he can. I hope he can come back sometime.

Thomas is better and at home but he is going to need lots of help and might need special furniture. This might not be now but it would be good if his mam and dad can buy him whatever they need, to help him with his ALD.

I want to help his family, and it would be good if they can take him on holiday now that Thomas is well enough to be out of hospital. If they go on holiday Thomas can have fun and his family can relax and make nice memories with him. I also want Thomas to have everything he needs to make him better and anything you can give to help his family have some money to buy what he needs would be really nice.

I am very sad that Thomas is poorly. He looks after me in school and makes me feel included in all the work, games and things we do. He has helped me when people have been mean to me and I miss him. He is funny and makes me laugh and it is no fun without him.

My name is Jake. I am 8 years old. I’m very sad Thomas is not well. I miss him so much. I want him to come back to school and I hope he can soon, now that he is out of hospital. He is one of my best friends and I miss playing with him, he always makes me laugh. Me and Thomas tell each other stuff and he comes to my mam’s BBQ’s with his dad, mam and little sister. I want to help Thomas all I can. Me and all Thomas’s friends miss playing with him in school. I really, really miss him and am very sad. I don’t want Thomas to be ill.

From a grown up helping Finley & Jake set this up:-

Thomas’s friends and family are heartbroken by the devastating news of Thomas’s diagnosis but even in this time of darkness Thomas’s smile is bright and he seeks enjoyment in all that he does. The family understand that people want to help but need time and space to come to terms with this. They support this page.

Finley & Jake can help each of you show your love and support for Thomas, his little sister Ella and his parents at this deeply sad time through a small donation to reach their goals of helping financially.

Watch this page for fundraising updates and how your donations are being used to keep Thom’s Story bright and happy.

Thom’ – You’ve Got A Friend In Me. Love Finley & Jake

“When the road looks rough ahead, and you’re miles and miles, from your nice warm bed, you just remember what your old pal said; Boy, you’ve got a friend in me… You’ve got troubles, and I’ve got ‘em too, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. We stick together and can see it through, ‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me. Some other folks might be a little bit smarter than I am, bigger and stronger too, maybe. But none of them will ever love you the way I do, it’s me and you, boy and as the years go by our friendship will never die, you’re gonna see it’s our destiny. You’ve got a friend in me”

Credit: Randy Newman “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Walt Disney Music Company.