A message from Thomas's parents, Gareth and Claudia:

Our beautiful boy Thomas, passed away on 2nd September 2023. He was four years and ten months old. 

Thomas was in his favourite place, his Mommy's arms and getting cuddles from Mommy and Daddy. His older sister and younger brother were able to say goodbye as well. 

We are very thankful for the wonderful support from the CATS Foundation every step of the way. They support so many families through their long and difficult journeys and every donation to this wonderful charity helps. 

Thomas, we Love You and will honour your memory. 

The CATS Foundation – Cure and Action for Tay-Sachs (cats-foundation.org)

Since Thomas was diagnosed in November 2020, his friends and family all over the world have taken part in a variety of challenges aimed at creating an awareness of Tay-Sachs as well as raising vital funds to try and help other families and to help research into curing this disease. 

How can you help? 

• We would also welcome anyone who is looking to do a fundraising event but has not yet decided on a charity to consider doing it for Thomas and The CATS Foundation. We can be contacted on bronwyn.gardner83@gmail.com
• Get involved in any of our fundraising initiatives
• Like, share, comment and re-post to bring awareness to this amazing charity and Tay Sachs 
• Follow us on Facebook - Ten for Thomas
• Follow us on Instagram - ten_for_thomas

Completed events: thank you to all of our friends and family for completing these challenges for Thomas! 

31st October - postponed due to Covid: Craig Smith will be running the Auckland Marathon

30th May 2021- UK: Craig Lindsay-Smith completed the Richmond Park Half Marathon - Well done Craig! 🏃🏻‍♂️

13th June 2021- SA: Craig Steward and Russel Tindale completed the virtual Comrades Half Ultra Marathon and run 45kms! Well done guys!! 🏃‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️

7th August 2021 - UK: Marion Cable and Ray Steele completed the London Triathlon (sprint distance).

15th August 2021 - UK: Nick Tindale and Ross Leibbrandt completed the Henley Open Water Swim Marathon Distance and swimming 10kms!  

11th September 2021- UK: Bronwyn and Dean Gardner completed the Thames Path Challenge and walked 50kms. 

10th October 2021- Worldwide:  Our main event, TEN FOR THOMAS to raise awareness and support for Thomas and The CATS Foundation was a huge success. Over 300 people, all over the world, walked, run, jogged, and event skated for beautiful Thomas. Thank you to everyone who took time out to support our cause! 

28th October 2021- SA: Gareth's South African friends and family held an incredibly fun and successful golf day called Tee-Off for Thomas to bring awareness to Tay Sachs disease. They managed to raise just over £3,000! Well done!! 

November 2021- Johannesburg: Wendy Mortimer (Thomas's granny) made a beautiful Christmas cake and some Christmas hampers that she raffled to raise for The CATS Foundation. She raised R2,200! 

We hope to continue to add events to our fundraising initiatives to ensure that we continue to raise the much needed funding that The CATS Foundation needs to help them continue to do the wonderful work they do.