A MAN is preparing to take on a gruelling endurance challenge to raise money for former rugby captain Noah Rees, who was left in a coma after falling off a promenade railing.
Paul Smith, who lives in Brighton, will attempt to complete the Eastbourne Ironbourne event, a long-distance triathlon, on July 10 to raise funds to support Noah’s ongoing rehabilitation.
Noah, who is the brother of Paul’s partner Lily, was 18 when lost his balance leaning on a promenade railing near the Fortune of War, in Kings Road, Brighton, on May 11, 2019.
He fell backwards, crashing ten metres to the ground below.
The aspiring professional rugby player lost consciousness and fell into a coma.
He punctured his lungs, suffered mini-strokes and broke his back and skull, causing serious brain damage.
Lily said Paul, 34, developed a close friendship with Noah following the accident and has supported him since throughout his recovery.
She said: “I met Paul when Noah was in a coma, and he has been just the most amazing support.
“Since Noah woke up and all through his progression, their relationship has just developed, and they really care about one another – they’re best mates.
“Paul decided he wanted to do the iron man to help Noah, and it makes me so emotional to speak about it, but what he’s doing is just incredible.”
Last year, Paul ran a 100-mile ultramarathon to help raise money to fund Noah’s continued physiotherapy
Lily, 27, said: “Noah does hours and hours of physio a week, which is helping with his movement, building up his muscles and learning how to walk again, because at the moment he still walks with two crutches.
“It’s building his recovery and helping him to walk again. He still does speech therapy too and it’s all costly.”
Paul is one quarter of the way towards reaching his current fundraising target of £2,000.
The Ironbourne event begins with a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile cycle and ending with a marathon.
Noah, who went to Cardinal Newman School in Hove, said he can’t thank Paul enough for taking on the challenge and helping him to raise money towards his recovery.
He told the Argus: “Paul’s fundraising means a lot. I know how much training and effort he’s put in.”
To donate to Paul’s fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ironman-eastbourne
To keep up to date with Noah’s progress, visit and follow @come_on_noah on Instagram.
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