Poorly New Mills teen ‘over the moon’ after cousin completes Rickshaw Challenge for him

Odin Lee, 12, completed the whopping feat in just just three days after Jim Wood, 16, was hospitalised with the condition as he began the BBC programme’s 10th edition of the challenge for Children in Need.

His cousin Jim was the first to begin the annual charity event - staged this year at Sussex home of motor racing Goodwood - when he complained of back pain.

The 16-year-old was taken to Brighton Hospital then transferred to Stepping Hill Hospital after an on-site doctor discovered a huge rash on his back.

Jim, whose immune system is still fragile after having a bone marrow transplant two years ago, is highly susceptible illnesses such as shingles and chickenpox.

He was taking part in the relay for charity Over The Wall - who deliver confidence-boosting camps for children with serious illnesses.

Jim suffered with a rare and painful autoimmune condition for 10 years - which caused excruciating ulcers and sores across his body - after being diagnosed aged just five.

In 2018 Jim was given a bone marrow transplant which successfully cured the ulcers and sores - however missing large swathes of school over a decade left him isolated and lacking in confidence.

Last year he attended an Over The Wall camp - which mum Joanne Wood described as a ‘turning point’ in Jim’s life.

She said: “It gave him the ability to mix with other children his own age - it gave him the confidence to go back to some sort of normality.”

Ironically the Rickshaw Challenge was later cancelled after a TV crew member tested positive for Covid-19 - leaving children taking part to finish it virtually from home.

After hearing Jim’s fundraiser was over cousin Odin stepped in - completing over 300 miles in three days on an exercise bike at home.

Mum Joanne, 34, said: “Jim’s over the moon and bought his cousin a Galaxy bar - he says he going to thank him with a McDonald’s when he’s out of hospital.”

So far Odin has raised over £800 for Over The Wall - to donate see https://www.gofundme.com/f/sonya039s-campaign-for-over-the-wall.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.