Danielle Aikin, 39, from Fenham, Newcastle, is undertaking 37 challenges in 37 consecutive days to mark her brother Paul Aikin's 37th birthday on August 10. Paul, who has cerebral palsy, has been supported by The Percy Hedley Foundation since age 10. Danielle aims to raise money for the charity through her efforts.
Challenges Include Sleep Deprivation and Stadium Steps
The challenges range from physical feats to acts of kindness. Among them are staying awake for 37 hours, fasting for 37 hours, climbing the steps at St James' Park 37 times, taking a dip in the sea at 3:37am, completing a 3.7-mile run in her Newcastle United shirt, and complimenting 37 people. The finale will involve sharing 37 reasons she loves her brother.
Danielle, a mother to Ella, 15, and Noah, six, has already raised over £1,000 through her JustGiving page. She said: “There's three years between us and we've got a really close bond. He's just lovely. He hasn't really got a quality of life. He's in and out of hospital. But he's always got a smile on his face!”
Personal Motivation and Family Bond
Paul, who is nonverbal, communicates through hand gestures and thumbs up. Danielle said: “He's been quite ill and we've nearly lost him a few times. So I was thinking what can I do to support him? The aim for me is to put myself in a bit of pain to even just compare what he goes through.”
She added: “It's made to be challenging, I don't want it to be easy. I'm quite motivated and determined and once I've started something I have to keep going.” Danielle films the challenges to show Paul, who is currently bedbound due to pressure sores.
Previous Fundraising and Community Support
Danielle has a history of creative fundraising for her brother. Last year, she walked 36 miles in two days for his 36th birthday. Previously, she asked Newcastle United players to send messages to Paul, a devoted Toon fan. “I do something different every year, I started a few years ago. It's something I'm going to do every year for him,” she said.
She noted the overwhelming support from the community: “Everyone thinks it's amazing. Lots of people have been massaging me saying 'Come on, you can do it!' Everyone is really behind it and supporting me.”
About Paul and the Charity
Paul, who lives in Walbottle and is cared for by their mother Irene Graham, 61, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months. He attended Percy Hedley from age 10 and later used their Adult Horizons programme. He is peg fed and has a permanent catheter. The Percy Hedley Foundation provides education, care, and support for people with disabilities.
