AN OXFORDSHIRE woman has raised almost £30,000 for her nephew who has a rare condition.
Tamara Ward and her husband Mike have been running five kilometres every day throughout May for four-year-old Dominic Williams, who has Dravet Syndrome.
The condition sees Dominic, who lives in London, suffer severe seizures.
It was following a seizure in March that Mr and Mrs Ward, who live in Middle Barton, decided to take on the running challenge.
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“In March, Dominic had a severe seizure which lasted for an hour and a half,” said Mr Ward.
“He was rushed to hospital but the doctors couldn’t stop the seizure.
“As the seizures have become more common and intense, we came up with the idea of doing something to help, and raise awareness.
“We got a team together of about 10 of us, which then grew and grew to 40 people taking part.”
The initial goal was to raise £150 per head, with a target of over £3,000.
That however was smashed just three days into the month.
Dominic Williams lives with Dravet Syndrome. Picture supplied by family
“We’ve all been motivating each other and the team spirit has been immense,” said Mr Ward.
“We’ve kept raising the bar and it’s gone from £7,000 to £10,000, and then £12,500 – the figure we have now is phenomenal.
“I can’t thank the fundraisers enough – the dedication and selflessness to spread the word has been phenomenal.”
The team of 40 is hoping to cover more than 6,000 kilometres by the end of the month.
Family friend Toby Pentacost with Tamara and Mike Ward, and their daughter Amelie. Picture supplied by family
Mr Ward described Dominic as ‘full of love’.
He said: “He’s such a lovely lad, he’s exceptionally fun-loving and very caring.
“He’s full of love and a lovely little boy.”
Mr Ward also explained how the condition impacts Dominic and his family, with Dominic relying on caregivers for life.
“When they stay somewhere, they have to make sure they’re always 20 minutes from a hospital, that’s how it affects things,” he said.
The current fundraising total stands at £27,500, with the sum to be donated to Dravet Syndrome UK.
To donate, please visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/run5keverydayinmay4dravet
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