Sam's BIG Scoot Challenge

A challenge set to capture hearts and minds in memory of a boy called Sam. 

Sam's Big Scoot - Sponsors

 

Sam's Superheroes is taking part in an EXTRAORDINARY challenge in memory of our beautiful Sam, who tragically passed away in 2021, age five from FIRES (Febrile Infection Related Epilepsy Syndrome). Our goal is to raise £50,000 for children's UK FIRES research and to increase awareness of this catastrophic and devastating syndrome.

On Friday, 20th September 2024, our team will embark on a KICK SCOOT from Aston University in Birmingham, home of the first UK FIRES research, to Sam’s hometown of DERBY. A journey of 44 miles over three days with no electric scooter in sight!

Our core team will scoot for three days plus a tag team will join us for half or full days. On the final day, many more of Sam’s friends and Sam’s Superheroes supporters will join us as we make the final journey into his hometown. Sam is the heart and soul of this challenge, he adored his red scooter and rode it everywhere. Sam's mum Rachel, will carry that scooter on her back throughout the challenge, ensuring Sam is very much a part of the team!

Finish line celebrations are being held at The Robin in Mickleover on Sunday 22 September, which will be a fun filled event for all the family.

The purpose

Our fundraising challenge has two primary goals. The first is to raise awareness of FIRES to attract more research. The causes of FIRES are still unknown, and there are currently no effective treatments FIRES is desperately under-researched, with the first and only UK FIRES research study not starting until 2023. Our second goal is to urgently raise as much money as possible to help fund further research. Whilst we could not save Sam, we can help save other children. Support this challenge, and you could help save children’s lives...what an IMPACT you could make!

To donate

To donate to our FIRES fundraiser, head over to our Just Giving page click here. All donations are gratefully appreciated. 

Want to join in?

If you would like to join our scoot team you can:

  • Scoot from half a day to the full three days, or
  • Scoot the final mile with us as we go through Mickleover, or
  • Join our backup team!

To join our scoot

1. To join us for either half a day or for the full three days, you will need to complete a short entry form and pay an entry fee. There are two levels of entry fees and you will be expected to also raise sponsorship. 

- £25 entry fee: You need to provide your own scooter. You will receive a t-shirt, finishing medal and certificate.

- £100 entry fee: We will provide you with your own scooter. You will receive a t-shirt, finishing medal and certificate.

2. To join our scoot as we enter into Mickleover (suitable for children of all ages):

- FREE Entry: Why not scoot or walk with us as we enter Mickleover to give us much needed support over the last couple of miles to the finish line? This is suitable for children of all ages, but you MUST COMPLETE AN ENTRY FORM. We would appreciate if you could raise some level of sponsorship if you are scooting with us. 

Drop us an email rachel@samssuperheroes.co.uk or click here so we can send you an entry form.

Why not hold your own fundraiser?

If you can't make Sam's Big Scoot, why not hold your own fundraiser? You could even hold your own:

  • Sam’s LITTLE Scoot
    • anywhere,
    • anytime,
    • any distance

Drop us an email at rachel@samssuperheroes and we will support you in anyway we can.

Our Team

Our current team is from across the UK and united in #FindACureForFIRES. It team includes: doctors, researchers, NHS workers, accountants, engineers, students, a graphic designer, a psychotherapist, and teachers. Age is no barrier, Sam’s 85 year old nana is in our back-up team! Plus, Sam’s dog Daisy is playing a key role!

We are thrilled to be partnering with an incredible team of NHS Doctors and Research Fellows from Great Ormond Street Hospital and Aston University, Birmingham for this scoot. These experts are at the forefront of UK children’s FIRES research.

 

We are also delighted to have the support of the renowned Bex Band, an adventurer and founder of ‘Love Her Wild,’ the UK’s largest women’s adventure community. Bex is also a bestselling author and blogger, and a true kick scooting pro!

What is FIRES?

FIRES, or Febrile Infection Related Epilepsy Syndrome, is a rare and catastrophic condition that affects healthy children with no prior history of epilepsy or seizures. The seizures begin suddenly and explosively following a simple febrile infection or virus, rapidly progressing into relentless seizure activity that is exceptionally difficult to stop. Children often remain in an induced coma for weeks to months, with life-changing impacts. One in five children die during the acute stage, and those who survive often suffer significant neurological disabilities and life-long epilepsy. There are currently children fighting FIRES in the UK, with three cases in the East Midlands in the last three years.

About Sam

Sam was beautiful, kind, loving, caring and joyful. He adored cuddling up to his dog Daisy and exploring the great outdoors. Shy with people he didn’t know, he was articulate and had wisdom beyond his years. Sam loved superheroes and making his family and many friends laugh! He was a healthy child and rarely ill, but just after his 5th birthday, Sam and his family were catapulted head-first into a battle to save his life from the sudden onset of FIRES. After a seven-week fight in paediatric critical care at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, our beautiful Sam passed away due to catastrophic and irreversible brain damage, caused by his relentless seizure activity.

Social media

Follow us on Social Media for updates, and keep an eye on our event page for more details!

Facebook @ TeamSamsSuperheroes click here

Instagram: SamsSuperheroesTherapyDogs click here

Business sponsorship

To be part of this amazing challenge, together with details on our Business Sponsorship Packages see below. Our sponsorship packages start from as low as £200. And it is not just about financial support, we need help with logistics, hotel stays, food and drink for the challenge, kit, marketing etc.

If you would like further details please email rachel@samssuperheroes.co.ukk or call Rachel on 07880343416.

Current supporters and sponsors

A massive thank you to our current supporters and sponsors:

  • The NORSE Institute in America the leading global expert on FIRES www.norseinstitute.org
  • Ashgates Accountancy in Derby who have supported Sam’s Superheroes for three years www.ashgates.co.uk
  • The Robin in Mickleover who are hosting our celebrations once we cross the finish line!
  • Chris Newsome Images in Derby our professional photographer for the challenge www.chrisnewsomeimages.co.uk
  • Our Mickleover, a community organisation in our local town
  • Bex Band an adventurer and founder of ‘Love Her Wild,’ the UK’s largest women’s adventure community www.theordinaryadventurer.com