Back in June, we were shocked to hear that news that one of our recent leavers, Thomas Lazarides (2018 C), had been involved in a life-changing accident. When diving into a swimming pool, he fractured his neck in two places and sustained a serious spinal cord injury. His friends saved his life, however, Tom may now be paralysed from the chest down.

Thankfully, his spinal cord is not entirely severed and therefore there is reason to be optimistic about his potential for recovery. However, to do this he will need significant rehabilitation and physiotherapy. To fund this, his family and friends, many of whom are fellow Old Suttonians, have undertaken a number of sponsorship-driven challenges as part of “Tom’s Fight”.

The most recent challenge involved a climb of Ben Nevis and then a swim from Fort William to Fort Augustus, through the Caledonian Canal and Lochs, covering 26 miles through freezing waters. The team then returned by canoe and back to the summit of Nevis to complete the challenge, all within five days – an incredible feat.

An Instagram page has now been set up to continue the fundraising awareness, which you can follow here. There are various different ways that Tom’s friends, family and extended community are trying to raise money, including personalised bracelets that Daisy Lily is making, with 100 percent of the profits going to Tom – you can purchase one here. 

The fund has now raised over £27,000 to assist with Tom’s rehabilitation and physiotherapy and we are delighted to help promote the cause. If you are able to do so, please support their fundraising via https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/florence-jackson-1?utm_term=62mgenqYA.