A fundraising drive to help a 12-year-old Salford boy in a mystery coma has seen stunning support from the local community in Winton and Eccles.
On Saturday 10 October 40 volunteers hit the streets to collect for Lewis Pierce, a Salford City Academy pupil struck down by a mysterious illness.
The nine-hour walk has helped fundraising hit a massive £2,300, all of which will be split between donations to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital intensive care ward, and to support the family when Lewis is able to leave hospital.
Lewis, a huge Manchester City fan, fell into a coma eight weeks ago after suffering a series of unexpected seizures.
To top it off, it all happened the night before the family were due to fly out for a family holiday in Majorca.
Lewis’ mum Michelle Pierce, 35, told us: “When Lewis fell ill we were absolutely devastated.
“We still do not have answers and know we have a long road ahead to try and get Lewis home where he belongs.”
Since SalfordOnline.com’s broke the news of Lewis’ illness, there has been no sign of improvement.
He remains unconscious in Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, but doctors have been baffled by his condition and have not been able to offer his family a diagnosis.
Family friend Chrissy Corps, 32, led the organisation for the Winton walk.
“We marched along calling at pubs in Winton, Patricroft, Eccles, we had an amazing time, people were so generous, even a passing police car stopped and they put money in the bucket.
“We started at lunchtime at finished about 9pm, we were tired but very pleased with our efforts.”
A GoFundMe page set up in Lewis’ name has now hit almost £1,400.
Three of Lewis’ young friends from the Winton estate, Jack, Ryan and TJ, also raised £365 by knocking on doors in Winton and going in local shops.
Chrissy said: “Through these bad times, some good is coming out of it because the Winton community have rallied around for Lewis: he would be so proud.
“It has been an amazing response, the people have been so helpful and I can’t thank them enough.”
Supporters expect the total fund to top £3,000 with donations still pouring in.
More fundraising is planned with a sponsored bike ride to Blackpool on Sunday 18 October, and an event at Trafford Soccerdome on Saturday 14 November, while Lewis’ mum and dad will even leap out of a plane in a sponsored skydive.
