September 22, 2024

Lewis D’Andrea aims to hit £1,000 target for Les Hoey, MBE Dream Makers Foundation.

A Kilmarnock man who got his friends to pelt him with 400 paintballs says he’s never experienced pain like it.

Lewis D’Andrea dreamed up the extreme challenge to fundraise crucial funds for Les Hoey, MBE Dream Makers Foundation, a small charity that helps and supports children with life-threatening illnesses.

The 29-year-old considered other fundraising options, including running a marathon, cycling, and holding a night race, but “none of that felt original enough” to him.

Lewis remarked, “I wanted to do something out of the ordinary, so I decided to get shot at with paintballs!

I asked four of my friends if they wanted to participate, and they quickly said yes. I agreed to 100 paintballs each, for a total of 2ooo paintballs.

The event took place on Saturday, April 6, at Scottish Assault Courses in Galston, and despite the soreness, Lewis characterised it as “an amazing experience”.

He stated, “At first, I was comfortable and didn’t feel scared, but as soon as I stepped onto the firing range and my companions pointed the guns at me, the nerves set in.

“I’d never felt pain like this before, and it didn’t help that I was only wearing skin-tight thermals, a T-shirt, and shorts.

When my pals started shooting, the adrenaline took over, but I still felt each paintball. Out of the 400 paintballs, I believe 360 hit me. My body is covered with lumps and bruises, but it’s worth it because it’s for a good cause.
The MBE Dream Makers Foundation is run by three employers who enable children and siblings undergoing arduous treatments see their idols, including Johnny Depp, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, McBusted, The Script, and the Scotland football team.

The children are also given the opportunity to attend concerts, theatre performances, football games, and visits to M&D’s theme park, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Zoos, Restaurants, and whatever else they want to make their lives a bit easier during this difficult time.

Lewis said: “I have known Les, the CEO of the charity, for a couple and he does so much for the charity, the children and their families.

“As a hobby, I host a podcast called For Talks Sake and I like to get with people who have and are doing interesting and amazing things. I got Les on to tell his story and talk about his charity work.

“After hearing Les describe the charity’s history, what they do to aid and support sick children and their families, and the challenges the organisation faces in continuing to do the good job that they do, I was inspired and knew I had to do something to help raise cash and awareness.

“The charity works diligently night and day to make dreams come true for the incredible children it serves. To witness these magnificent youngsters smile, and for their families to have memories of their sick children having fun, is priceless.”

Lewis has so far raised £320 and hopes to reach his goal of £1,000.

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