An incredible 9-year-old boy is set to tackle a 40-mile challenge as part of his ongoing stroke rehabilitation.

Ryley Reed, from Llangors, has begun to complete a series distance-based exercises in order to advance his way along the virtual map to the ‘summit’ of Mount Everest.

Ryley suffered a stroke in January 2021, causing right-side weakness and speech difficulties, and the completion of the challenge would be a significant milestone in his recovery.

A stroke can happen at any age. There are over 400 childhood strokes a year in the UK, affecting babies, children and young people.

“Ryley’s recovery has been and continues to be ongoing,” said Ryley’s mum, Kate, a lead nurse at Brecon surgery. “But he has been determined to become stronger and raise awareness of childhood stroke along the way.”

“Ryley was previously fit and well, so this came as a real shock to us all, with no warning signs.”

As well as raising awareness of childhood stroke, Ryley is also taking on the challenge to raise funds for a cause in the village which would benefit local children.

Kate said: “Ryley has decided to go public with this to raise awareness of childhood stroke, which is so important, and very brave of him, but also to raise money for his local playpark in Llangors, which is yet to be built. 

“During Ryley’s recovery at home, we found swings, slides, monkey bars and lots of other play-park equipment to help him gain strength, but also meet his sensory needs, which had changed so much too.

“We travelled to parks in neighbouring villages, when they were allowed to re-open after covid, so Ryley really wants to help benefit the local children of Llangors by raising money for a playpark in our village.”

Mount Everest has connections to the family and local area. The family have many Nepalese friends, both in Brecon and Nepal. The Himalayan mountain was also named after surveyor and geographer Sir George Everest, whose family’s estate was Gwernvale Manor, near Crickhowell.

Ryley started the challenge last weekend, after having to put it on pause when he contracted Covid last month. Ryley had mild symptoms but is now gaining strength and raring to go.

The local community has shown wonderful support towards Ryley and his appeal, which currently stands at over £1,400 of an original £500 target.

Mike and Michelle Tunnicliffe from the Castle Inn have displayed posters and money buckets in the pub.

Chair of Llangorse Community Centre, Melrose East, organised a coffee morning in aid of the Ryley’s Everest challenge. The coffee morning, which had variou stalls, was held today Thursday, September 16, at the community centre.

Morgan Preece at Llangors Activity Centre has also been supportive with designing posters, buckets and advertising.

“Ryley is overwhelmed by the response to his challenge and absolutely thrilled to have his local community behind him,” said Kate.

To follow Ryley’s challenge over the coming weeks, visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ryleysmounteverestchallenge and to donate to the Llangors playpark fund visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ryleyreedeverestchallenge