HE swam in agony to raise money to say ‘thank you’ for the care he receives. Now nine-year-old Lewis Perham has been nominated for a Night of Honour award for his bravery and selflessness.

The sports-mad boy from Cwmbran suffers from a rare nervous system illness.

It causes him so much pain he is unable to walk, and the wind or even his jeans cause him daily agony.

But, as the Argus reported last month, the former Pontnewydd Primary School pupil battled at Llantarnam leisure centre to swim 60 lengths – one km – of the pool. It was so excruciating that he was in tears at the end – but he was determined to raise money for the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath, where he receives care.

He has raised more than £2,000 so far from the swim and is planning further challenges to raise money for the hospital, in spite of his daily challenge with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS).

Lewis was a keen rugby player and idolises Wales and British and Irish Lions star Jamie Roberts.

After a seemingly innocuous injury to his ankle while playing for Croesyceiliog rugby club in May last year, Lewis’ condition deteriorated to the point where he is now wheelchair-bound.

CPRS is incredibly rare and why it starts is a mystery.

Lewis’ mum Claire, said: “He was determined to finish the swim, even though he was crying and in agony while he was swimming. I was begging him to stop but he was determined.”

Family friend Claire Hillier and her husband Lee nominated Lewis for the Young Person of the Year award in the Night of Honour Awards run by Newport’s King’s Church. She said: “I think he needs to be honoured for his bravery. Given what he is going through I think the fact that he is still thinking of others is inspirational.”

Lewis, said: “I didn’t expect to be nominated at all so I’m really excited and proud.

“The swim was really hard, I was crying at the end. I can’t kick my legs that well and the splashing hurts .

“Everyone at the hospital is really kind and they help me a lot so I wanted to give them something back.

“I was finding it hard before andI thought I would never walk again but they have given me more confidence.”

The Night Of Honour will be held at the King’s Church on Sunday, September 23, from 6pm, with free entry and music and comedy on the bill.

HOW TO NOMINATE YOUR HERO
 


● Nominations must be submitted by 1pm on
Friday, August 31.
 

● Winners will be selected by a panel involving
members of the community such as police officers,
businessmen and public servants.
 

“All nominees will be invited to a VIP reception
before the event,” said Hayley Corley, of the
King’s Church. “In reality, everyone who is nominated
is a winner, and we will celebrate the night
as such.”

 ● Go to the King's Church website at to nominate your unsun hero .