When I was younger, my best friend was Thomas Laurie. Tom was born with Cockayne Syndrome, which meant that he struggled with many health and learning complications, but that didn’t stop him in the slightest. Tom had this quiet strength about him, with a smile that made you feel like everything was going to be okay. He was a brave soul, and he taught me more about courage than anything else in my entire life. Thomas genuinely shaped the person I am today, and his impact upon the lives of the people around him and in our community will last a lifetime.

For those who don’t know, Cockayne Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects children in profound ways, from growth delays to difficulties with vision and hearing. Thomas faced these challenges every day, and yet he approached life with an openness and resilience that I’ll never forget. Cockayne Syndrome may have limited his physical abilities, but it never limited his spirit. He was always showing me how precious each moment could be, and growing up this is something I could never forget.

Thomas Laurie passed away on the 19th February 2014, ten years ago this year.

In Thomas’ memory, on the 2nd September 2025, I will be hiking up to 5,500m or over 18,000 feet up Mount Everest to just beyond Everest Base Camp in an opportunity to work with HFT (Home Farm Trust), a trust which helps to raise money and awareness for other people with learning disabilities, just like Tom, in a hope that they can get the care and attention they need.

Every step that is taken will be done with Thomas’ memory in my heart. Any donations towards this cause will be forever appreciated.

If you get a chance, please watch the linked video - made about Thomas and his older sister Ellie❤️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QeXF3d9jY8