Determined 20-year-old taking on 14-mile charity challenge in and around Southam and Leamington despite condition that affects his mobility

A 20-year-old in Leamington is determined to complete a 14-mile charity challenge despite having a condition which affects his mobility.

Pat Smith, who used to live in Southam but recently moved to Leamington, has Neurofibromatosis type 2, known as NF2 which means he has non-cancerous tumours on some of his nerves.

Pat was diagnosed with the condition after his parents noticed he was constantly walking on his tip toes.

Since diagnosis tests showed he has tumours on his spine and on the nerves in his ear and has has many operations and treatments to try and reduce the size of the tumours or treat the symptoms caused by them.

Pat, who is studying business and management at Leamington College, decided to take on the challenge of walking 14 miles over seven days in and around Southam and Leamington.

He started his challenge on Monday (January 25) in Southam and is due to complete it on January 31 in Victoria Park in Leamington.

Pat is taking on the fundraiser to help raise awareness and funds for Nerve Tumours UK, which has supported him, and also hopes it will raise awareness of the challenges people with physical disabilities face everyday.

He said: "My condition affects my mobility and flexibility as it causes my leg muscles to not form or function properly due to the growing tumour on my lower spine, which grows on and damages the nerves.

"This has resulted in me having troubles and difficulties in life. I believe most people will never be able to understand the extent to which these challenges can impact people with disabilities

"I have wanted to do some sort of challenge/fundraiser for such a long time but it was the first lockdown which inspired me to actually start it.

"I constantly heard people complaining about how they could no longer go out and see friends or go to the pub/clubs and so on.

"It made me realise that some people do not realise that those with physical difficulties experienced those exact feelings everyday before the lockdowns and I hope to raise awareness of those challenges as well as raise some funds to help people growing up with the same condition I have had my entire life.

"I have said from the beginning for me the primary aim of my fundraiser is to raise awareness of the challenges people with physical disabilities experience of day-to-day life and so I hope even just a few people recognise that people can be struggling with a lot more than what they show on the surface."

Speaking about how he was feeling about the challenge and how it has gone so far Pat said: "The weekend before I started my week of walks I started to feel and immense amount of pressure and felt worried about not being able to complete the week.

"However, the messages and support I have received from so many people has spurred me on to pick up my head and push through the challenge.

"So far it has been enjoyable to walk around areas with my family despite some aches and tiredness after each day.

"I am really looking forward now to completing the rest of the walks with a different friend each day."

To read more about Pat's story or to donate go to: https://nervetumours.org.uk/fundraiser/pats-nf-fundraiser-walkIf you or anyone you know is affected by Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Type 2 or Schwannomatosis contact Nerve Tumours UK the National Charity on 02084391234 or go to: www.nervetumours.org.uk