Hi, my name is Karen and I am hoping to raise as much money as possible to help a very special little boy called Rafi.

Rafi's Story

At just seven years old, Rafi's life changed in an instant when he contracted E. coli and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) - a rare and life-threatening condition.

Since then, he has faced unimaginable challenges: seizures, a coma, sepsis, septic shock, multiple bouts of pneumonia, kidney failure, 17 collapsed lungs, myocarditis, encephalopathy, a stroke, and three cardiac arrests. Rafi even required ECMO life support to keep him alive.

After months in intensive care, he just wasn't waking up and they moved him to HDU with a "he may never wake but he can't stay here forever" viewpoint.

Daily, the family would have conversations with consultants about when to turn things off. They were constantly begging for more time.

Rafi was then moved to a brain injury ward where he stayed, unable to even swallow successfully and choking and being sick daily. Palative care became involved and the family were told "this might be what life is like now" "he is going to have a life of suffering and part of that ls you guys and Rafi learning to adapt to that way of life. A year on, they moved to brain rehab with a little boy who couldn't even sit in his wheelchair without vomiting. Their one goal at the end of rehab was for Rafi to be able to sign yes or no. At the end of rehab, he couldn't do this.

When Rafi got home, he FLOURISHED

Thanks to an incredible team from DIY SOS and an army of volunteers, Rafi now has an accessible home where his family can live together again. But his recovery still depends on continuous treatment and therapies - and those are costly. Rafi has made incredible progress: he's learned to stand with help from his dad, can now use a walker and his speech and movement are slowly returning. But there's still a long way to go.

The goal: to help Rafi walk and move independently, to eat and drink safely without a feeding tube, and to give him the best possible chance at an independent life one day.

Funds raised will go towards supporting his rehabilitation - including specialist therapy, equipment, and the ongoing care he needs to rebuild his strength and independence.

I've not had the pleasure of meeting Rafi but after seeing him and his family on DIY SOS, I haven't stopped thinking about him and wanted to help in some way.

The Challenge

I'll be taking on the Flitch Way which is local to me, walking/running the full route and back (and a bit extra) - 50km in total. It's going to be a tough day, but every step will be for Rafi and his recovery.

I am lucky enough to have some friends and family joining me along the way. If you'd like to join me for part or all of the walk, please do - the more support, the better.

I am doing the walk/run 0n the 25th April 2026.

Please follow Rafi's Journey and see his progress...visit:

Facebook: Rafi's Recovery

Instagram: @rafis.recovery

TikTok: @rafisrecovery

Every donation, big or small, will make a real difference. Thank you for helping give Rafi the chance at the life he deserves.