COMMUNITY is an important word to the Aaron Lewis Foundation as it is central to what we are trying to achieve – both giving and receiving for the better of one another.
Jim Riley, who is raising money for the ALF in this month’s London Triathlon, is a perfect example of that ethos in practice.
When the annual ALF 10s rugby tournament comes around, he often takes the Friday off work to come down and help set things up. He and his family are also there on the day – wife Cara has made cupcakes to sell at past events – and Jim is back on the Sunday to help clear away.
July 2017 marked a special ALF 10s for the Rileys as Jim and Cara’s son Conall was presented with a specially-adapted bike to get him back riding again.
Conall was struck by a rare bone cancer and underwent 14 rounds of chemotherapy in the 18 months prior, as well as having his right leg amputated below the knee due to the effects of Ewings Sarcoma.
He enjoyed the freedom the bike gave him so much, he cycled 13 miles on the first day he had it.
The Rileys have since handed the bike back to the ALF due to Conall’s progression – he recently took part in para-triathlon – and a new recipient, Bethany, is benefitting from it.
Now Jim is taking on a new challenge – the London Triathlon on July 27th– to coincide with Conall being in remission for two and a half years.
He said: “During that time, Con has had numerous challenges – not least learning to walk again. But thanks to the Aaron Lewis Foundation, he has learned to ride a bike again, which boosted his confidence, his freedom and resulted in him eventually getting back to riding a normal bike.
“Con has since gone on to complete a para-triathlon, a 10k bike race and was recently awarded runner-up trainee of the year in the 2019 National Bikeability Awards.
“He now regularly does what any normal 11-year-old should be doing – riding to school with his mates.”
Jim will complete a 1.5km swim, 40k bike ride and 10k run to raise money to give back to the ALF to continue its work.
He hopes to generate at least £1,150 and you can donate to his efforts at
Good luck Jim!