A TEENAGER with cerebral palsy has made a splash for charity with his latest fundraising challenge.
Ary Rahman-Jackson decided to swim 5k in aid of Wheels to Heal which provides mobility equipment including wheelchairs, crutches and walking aids, for people in Gaza caught up in the conflict.
For Ary, swimming is far more demanding than it is for most.
The 19-year-old’s cerebral palsy means he expends up to seven times more energy than the average person.
His uncle Barzan Rahman said Ary’s legs are dead weight so he predominantly uses only his arms to pull him through the water.
On top of this the Knowle resident is also observing Ramadan and he has had to taken into consideration hunger, hydration and fatigue.
Ary said: ” “I wanted to make a change.
“The reason I’m doing this is because I have cerebral palsy and my cerebral palsy affects my limbs, and so I can very much relate to people needing mobility equipment.”
Ary initially set out to raise £10,000 for Wheels to Heal.
But thanks to kind-hearted donors he has smashed his target and has more than £15,000 in the pot – and is determined to keep going.
Barzan said: “He’s finding the challenge both difficult and rewarding.
“Even though the swim is not easy for him, he’s motivated by the reward of knowing he is helping people.
“Still, Ary was determined and conducted the whole swim without stopping between each length. And..he did so smiling throughout.
“ّIf you knew or met Ary you’d know what an amazing temperament he has – he’s always smiling and happy – and he’s kind and generous to everyone, with a pure heart.”
This is not Ary’s first such charitable effort – in a similar campaign three years ago, in memory of his deceased Grandfather, Ary raised £12,000 for the same charity to send mobility equipment to Kurdistan.
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