Last year, Ryan took part in a South Coast Ultra Challenge to say thanks to Dreamflight for taking him on a trip to Orlando back in 2014.
About Ryan
Ryan, 26, was diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis at just 3.5 years old. This rare type of arthritis affects his joints and immune system.
Much of Ryan’s childhood was spent trying to find the correct medication to manage both sides of his condition, which brought with it lots of complications and hospital stays.
“I developed macrophage activation syndrome which required me to have a bone marrow transplant. I caught pneumonia a few times which was harder to fight off due to my weakened immune system, and when my joints swelled and seized up, I was pretty much bedbound.”
“My condition will always be there…day to day tasks can still be a struggle but I am stable. With the right medication it means I can now manage my condition better. I have come a long way since the darkest of days.”
How did Dreamflight support Ryan?
When he was 15, Ryan went on a Dreamflight Orlando trip, as part of the Mickey Mouse group. He was so surprised to receive his invitation, he almost couldn’t believe it was true, and that feeling stayed with him during his trip.
“I was soon made to feel settled and everything felt surreal. Everyone was so kind and genuinely cared about you. Nothing more could genuinely be done for you. You were made to feel very special.”
For the first time in his life, Ryan didn’t feel alone. He was surrounded by children who he felt fully understood what he was going through, despite their different backgrounds, stories and conditions, and by volunteers who made him feel supported and empowered.
“We knew what endless hospital appointments, scans and tests were like. How sometimes you felt so different to everyone else and growing up couldn’t understand why you couldn’t do things that other children could do. We had to grow up a little bit quicker to understand things more.
There were so many beautiful moments where you got to hear other people’s stories. Every one of them always got you thinking. Living with my condition is far from easy and sometimes I want to do things that I know I can’t. It is tough. But you remember and think about all those other people from your trip that you spoke to and all their stories, and it gives you strength you to pick yourself up and keep going.”
Why did Ryan take on a fundraising challenge?
Ryan decided to sign up for the South Coast Ultra Challenge when the opportunity arose through his work, to push himself and to enable another child to experience a special holiday like he did.
“I don’t say it lightly, Dreamflight does change people’s lives. Some might build social skills, others face fears head on, but one thing for sure is that you return home a different person, having made friends for life.”
South Coast Ultra Challenge
After months of preparation – balancing long training walks with a carefully planned eating routine to keep his energy up – Ryan was ready to take on the challenge: a continuous 100km walk from Eastbourne to Arundel along the scenic South Downs Way.
“There was a definite buzz in the atmosphere at the start point. Everyone was geared up and excited to get going.”
The event saw Ryan walking for more than 30 hours, moving through day and night with only brief stops at checkpoints and a steady stream of encouragement from fellow walkers. Even as fatigue set in, the sense of togetherness never faded.
“Everyone and anyone you walked past, really helped push each other along to try and help reach the finish line. I was fortunate to have family and friends at the finish line to cheer me on as well.
Once I had finished, I went to the tent to get some food and a drink. I sat down outside and remember sitting there, taking it all in. What I had just achieved. All the training, the hours of walking and distance covered. The challenge itself. The constant 30 hours of walking, no real rest, no sleep. But I had done it, and it was all very much worth it.”
Ryan’s message to anyone who’s considering taking part in an ultra-challenge:
“Do it. There isn’t much more to say other than that. Give yourself a challenge, something to work on and aim towards. It’s great for your physical and mental health. Healthy eating, lots of exercise, getting outdoors, lots of fresh air, lots of social meetings if you can get groups together. You will feel great within and about yourself.
But most importantly you will be doing some greater good in the world. Helping out an amazing charity and making a difference to people’s lives. No matter how big or how small. No matter in what way shape or form. It all goes a long way to helping and making a difference.”
Sign up for an ultra-challenge
If you’re feeling inspired by Ryan’s fundraising, you can sign up for your own ultra-challenge and take on a distance your way – walk, jog or run.
Sign up for an ultra challenge