Hero K-Man Kieran to bike huge distance for support service – again

By timesecholife on in All News, Featured News

A Moorlands ten-year-old who suffers from Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) has decided to cycle a massive distance to raise money for charity for the second year running. Kieran Kumar-Hanki, from Tean, raised more than £2,700 after cycling more than 108 kilometres on his trike for Ataxia UK last year.

A Moorlands ten-year-old who suffers from Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) has decided to cycle a massive distance to raise money for charity for the second year running.

Kieran Kumar-Hanki, from Tean, raised more than £2,700 after cycling more than 108 kilometres on his trike for Ataxia UK last year.

He was diagnosed with FA – a condition that affects balance, co-ordination and muscle strength – in 2017. There is currently no cure for this debilitating disease.

Additionally, Kieran has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and his feet are starting to turn inwards, making it much harder to walk. It also means he gets fatigued more easily.

But that isn’t stopping Kieran – a.k.a. ‘K-Man’ – from raising money for others who also need it most.

Kieran is taking on yet another feat to fundraise for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice (DLCH) in Stoke-on-Trent, which has supported him over the last year.

This time around, Kieran is taking on ‘The Conqueror: Inca Trail Virtual Challenge.’

This fundraiser sees participants remotely travel 26.2 miles (42 km) across the Inca Trail in Peru and right through Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world. All progress is logged onto an app to track his progression.

Kieran began the challenge on Monday, March 15 and is set to complete four weeks of cycling in the hope of reaching his £300 target.

“He plans to cycle between two and three kilometres most days, depending on his fatigue levels,” Mum Leeann explained.

“Anyone who knows Kieran will understand what a tough challenge he has set himself.

“Over the past year Kieran’s mobility has really declined, so much so, that he can no longer walk unaided at all.

“It’s been a long winter and the challenge gives him something to aim for. I think he’s just an incredible young man.”

Kieran was due to regularly visit the DLCH last year but Covid has sadly prevented this from happening.

However, he has still received a wealth of support while shielding at home including play therapy and Makaton learning.

Leeann continued: “The Donna Louise is an amazing building but more than that, the love, warmth and care emanating from every person inside is incredible.

“Although Kieran hasn’t technically been inside, he can’t wait to be able to go in person and have fun. Fingers crossed this will be soon.

“The Donna Louise offers valuable support and care for children and their families.”

Jayne Dono from the Fundraising Team at The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice explained how Kieran’s fundraising will help them support many who use the service.

“Kieran is taking on a huge challenge to raise money for The Donna Louise and we’re all sending him lots of luck,” she said.

“Unfortunately the pandemic has meant that Kieran hasn’t been able to spend time at the hospice, but we’ve been able to support him and his family virtually over the last few months.

“The Donna Louise is historically one of the poorest hospices in the country and we rely on fundraising for almost all of our income.

“By taking on such a brilliant challenge Kieran will be supporting not only his own family, but also many other local families who rely on the care of The Donna Louise. Good luck Kieran.”

To donate to Kieran’s extraordinary fundraiser and view updates about his progress, go online to:https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leeann-hankin-donnalouise.

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