A Trentbarton driver has walked 100 miles to raise money for a young girl’s experimental medical treatment.
Oma Shankar, who drives the Amberline between Derby and Hucknall, tackled the 100 miles on his days off. Money raised is going to help eight-month-old Poppy Goodall, granddaughter of Trentbarton colleague Adrian Cadd. She has Canavan Disease, a rare neurological disorder, and the family wants to send her to the USA for treatment.
Oma started his days at 4:30am and began by walking at nearby Shipley Country Park to Eastwood and Kimberley. He completed the journey near Bakewell and raised more than £1,000 in sponsorship, doubling his initial £500 target.
“I have known Adrian for many years and one day everyone was playing bingo to raise money for Poppy. I was watching and thought I could do something too,” Oma says.
“Poppy’s story touched my heart. I thought I’d ask people if they would like to sponsor me to walk 100 miles. When we were in lockdown, I walked miles every day and have run marathons before in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
“My feet are aching and my legs are aching, but we have to make sure we get this young girl where she needs to be.”
Adrian says he is “bowled over” by Oma’s fundraising. “Oma is an amazing man, and we are truly moved by what he has done for Poppy.”
You can donate at the Helping Poppy fundraising page.
