Trek in memory of Derbyshire teenager raises £6,000

A gruelling challenge in memory of an 18-year-old who died from a rare form of cancer has raised more than £6,000 for Rainbows.

In May, eight people, walked 73 miles along Hadrian’s Wall over six days. They were making the steps for our charity and the Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust.

In February 2020, Lewis Sewell, of Castle Donington, was diagnosed with a Malignant Metastatic Rhabdoid Tumour, a type of cancer which is usually found in young children. Just five months after his diagnosis, his family were told what he had was terminal and nothing more could be done. Lewis, a student at Bilborough College and an inspiring actor, died at our hospice on August 15 2020.

The trek went from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway and the group was made up of Lewis’ family and friends.

Lewis’ mum Gillian Sewell said: “Fundraising in someone’s memory is a truly special way to mark their life, while helping others in need at the same time.

“The challenge although gruelling at times was helped wonderfully by the comradery of the group and at times the enabling morale certainly carried people through.

“It came about following the success of last year’s walk for Lewis 18 miles for 18 days where numerous people walked pilgrim like between each of the East Midlands’ theatres. Although a different setting this year, the cause remained the same, supporting Lewis’ Trust and Rainbows, while walking in memory of an incredible young man who in his final days continued to put others before himself.

“Lewis lived by the values of positivity, courage and resilience who was driven to be part of the acting fraternity. Once he realised his life was to be cut short he set out to ensure other young people would benefit in his name and not be blocked from doing something they loved purely because of financial barriers. We therefore have done this in Lewis’s memory to ensure his legacy of helping others lives on.”

Alison Furlong, Head of Community and Events at Rainbows, took part in the challenge. She added: “Walking such a distance is no mean feat, but it was a truly special experience to walk with Lewis’s family and friends, in his memory. Thank you to everyone who supported us, I know I will remember it forever.”