Ary, who has cerebral palsy, has been swimming an incredible 5 kilometres (200 lengths in 10 sessions of 500 metres) at Liberty Leisure in Solihull throughout March, and has seen amazing support already. This year’s effort is the second fundraising campaign that Ary has participated in, previously raising £12,000 for mobility equipment to be sent to Kurdistan.
Ary said: “A few years ago, I did a similar campaign and raised £12,000 to send mobility equipment for those in need in Kurdistan and saw the significant impact this had on the lines of those who received them. This was one of the reasons I decided to do it. The other reason is because I use various mobility equipment myself, such as walkers and wheelchairs and specialist bikes. These have enabled me to have a very happy, rich, and fulfilling life, giving me access to everything that I'd like to do. I would love for other people affected by disabilities to be as fortunate as I am and have the same right to dignity and freedom.”
UNICEF estimates that 111,700 people have been injured in the Gaza conflict, with 13,000 children in Gaza having lost one or more limbs. Ary’s incredible work will provide a 40 foot shipping container containing mattresses, wheelchairs, walking sticks, zimmer frames and more to those in the region who desperately need them, restoring dignity, independence and hope to those who have lost so much.
Ary continued: “I was shocked and saddened to hear that an estimated 13,000 innocent children have lost one or more limbs during the war. I really wanted to do something to help, so I thought I could fundraise for some mobility equipment for them.”
Ary has had an outpouring of support from Birmingham and Solihull residents already, smashing his initial target of £10,000. Swimming while fasting has been a real challenge, but Ary hasn’t let that stop him, saying “Due to my cerebral palsy I use up to 7 times more energy to carry out the same activity as someone without CP. All four of my limbs are affected so swimming can be very tiring ordinarily. When we fast during Ramadan, we have no food or water from dawn until dusk. On the days I’ve swam hungry and thirsty, I’ve had to really dig deep to get the motivation to keep going when all I wanted to do was sleep after the big meal, but I just think of the people I’m doing this for.”
As Ary nears the end of his current challenge, he’s already thinking about his next fundraiser, considering a 30 day circuit training challenge. Visit Ary’s Just Giving page to show him some support, and donate to this incredible campaign to give the gift of mobility and dignity.