Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am honoured to be involved in this Ben Nevis challenge as it will bring more awareness and funding to help with this fantastic charity.

Shay’s Smiles was set up by the family of 13-year-old Shayen Patel (known to all as Shay), who passed away on 1st September 2020. Shay died less than two years after being diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).

Despite Shay's diagnosis he was always thinking of others before himself and had the most contagious smile and warm heart for everyone he met.

https://www.shayssmiles.org/about

I wanted to reach out to share some exciting news and ask for your support in a challenge that is both close to my heart and significant for a remarkable cause.

On the 23rd of July, I will be embarking on a journey to climb Ben Nevis, I broke my back in 2 places Dec 2022 but would never let down Shay, Ben Nevis the highest peak in the United Kingdom, in support of an incredible charity called Shay's Smiles. As many of you know, this charity holds immense importance to me and my Son who is friends with Shay's Brother and whose dad was my son's first-ever football coach, a warm-hearted family whose lives were forever changed through tragedy found the courage to help countless others through Shays Smiles. 

Shay's Smiles. This remarkable charity was founded with the sole purpose of providing support and assistance to families who are facing the unimaginable challenge of caring for a child diagnosed with a brain tumour. Shay's Smiles aims to bring joy, relief and smiles to the faces of these courageous children and their families during their difficult times with the ultimate goal of one day finding a cure. 

I broke my back and herniated a disc just before Christmas 2022 so this will be a huge challenge, last year we scaled Snowdon which was agony but so rewarding, the people who raise money for this charity are mostly people who know the family and will go through discomfort and sacrifice as it's a small price to pay for such a huge opportunity to be a small part of the immense impact Shay's Smiles has on the lives of those in need.

I am well aware that we are currently facing a cost of living crisis, and I understand that financial burdens are weighing heavily on many of us. However, I am not seeking extravagant sums of money. Every little bit counts, and even the smallest contribution can make a significant difference in someone's life. I trust in the kindness and generosity of people, especially when it comes to supporting such a noble cause.

We often believe that unfortunate circumstances will never touch our lives, but if they ever do, it is charities like Shay's Smiles that will be there to offer a helping hand, to bring light into the darkest of days. By donating, you are not only helping me reach the summit of Ben Nevis but also ensuring that Shay's Smiles can continue providing vital support to families when they need it the most.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for considering a donation towards this cause. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope and smiles to those who truly deserve them. No matter the amount, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

Please can I ask for your support by sharing this story on your social media, and spreading the word about Shay's Smiles and the challenges we are completing? 

Thank you again for your generosity and compassion. 

Tony

https://www.shayssmiles.org/about