Determined fundraiser Loyd Wildridge has once again gone the extra mile for Children Today, raising £1143, including Gift Aid, through his latest fundraising challenge.

Loyd, who has completed a charity challenge every year for Children Today since 2021, has now raised more than £8,000 for Children Today through a series of inspiring fundraising activities and personal challenges.

This year, the 26-year-old took inspiration from the number 26 by pledging to complete 26 kilometres through a combination of walking and riding his adapted trike as part of his 2026 fundraising challenge.

Loyd used his trike, which Children Today funded several years ago, during his charity challenge

Loyd’s mum, Helen Dalby-Wildridge, said:

“To say I’m proud of Loyd is an understatement. Every year he sets himself a new challenge to help raise money for Children Today and he approaches every single one with such determination and positivity.

“Fundraising means so much to him because Children Today has supported him in the past, including funding an adapted trike which helped him stay active and independent, and more recently a specialist seating system which helps with his posture. He genuinely loves helping others and always wants to give something back.

“Despite the physical challenges he faces every day, Loyd never gives up. Seeing the difference the charity makes to families like ours motivates him to keep going year after year.”

At the age of seven Loyd became seriously ill with encephalitis – a rare condition that causes inflammation of the brain – leaving him fighting for his life. After being placed in a coma, Loyd eventually pulled through, but the illness left him with acquired brain damage and severe disabilities.

Despite the enormous challenges he faced, Loyd showed incredible determination and resilience, slowly relearning essential skills including walking, talking and eating independently again.

Further tests and investigations later revealed additional health conditions, including a rare genetic condition called O3D, epilepsy, scoliosis and kyphosis.

Loyd completed his charity challenge surrounded by friends and family to cheer him on

Emma Prescott, Charity Director at Children Today, said:

“Loyd is an absolute inspiration to everyone at Children Today. Since 2021 he has taken on challenge after challenge to help support other disabled children and young people, and we are continually blown away by his kindness, resilience and determination.

“To have raised more than £8,000 over the years is an incredible achievement and every penny will help us continue providing life-changing specialist equipment for families who desperately need support.

“Loyd embodies exactly what Children Today is all about — overcoming challenges, creating opportunities and helping others live life to the fullest.”

If you’re interested in taking on a fundraising challenge in aid of Children Today, whether it’s a cycling event, marathon or bake sale, we’re here to help! Get in touch on fundraising@childrentoday.org.uk.