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Dad walked over 600 miles to thank charity for supporting his disabled daughter
A dad from Shirehampton has been shortlisted for a national award after trekking across The South West Coast Path for a charity close to his heart.
Ian Lewis raised over £3,000 for Sense, a charity which has provided support for his disabled daughter who has complex needs and requires daily care.
The disability charity took Ian’s 27-year-old daughter, Daisy on a number of holidays when she was growing up through its Sense Holiday service.
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With Daisy away and enjoying herself, Ian and his wife, Adele could relish a much-needed caring respite.
The disability charity took Ian’s daughter, Daisy on a number of holidays when she was growing up through its Sense Holiday service – photo: Ian Lewis
To show his gratitude for the charity, Ian embarked on a 56-day long walk with his friend Martin Berry, between May and June 2022.
The pair covered the equivalent of hiking Mount Everest four times over across 630 miles of England’s longest waymarked footpath.
Ian is in the running to be ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ at the annual Sense awards – which recognise the outstanding achievements of people with disabilities, along with the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fundraisers who support them.
Ian said he was “delighted” at the news of being shortlisted. He added: “If any of the money Martin and myself raised makes a small difference to disabled people or their families it was worth it.
“The week of respite we received when my daughter Daisy went on a Sense holiday was the first time we had over a day off since Daisy was born and we had a much-needed mini break.”
The winner of the ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ award will be announced on November 24.
Ian Lewis (left) and Martin Berry embarked on a 56-day long walk to raise money for Sense – photo: Ian Lewis
Chief executive at Sense, Richard Kramer, commented: “Trekking 630 miles is a huge achievement, and we are very grateful to Ian for taking on this challenge in support of our work, which will make a difference to the families we support.
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate him at the Sense awards this year.”
Photos: Ian Lewis
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