Consett couple drive to Benidorm to raise 10k for boy's rare condition

Noah, who suffers from the rare degenerative mobility condition Gemin5, was diagnosed in 2021 and needs specialist equipment that can be found in the USA.

Irene Reid, from Consett, a close friend of Noah’s grandmother Michelle, started the fundraiser that sees her driving to Benidorm in a renovated car to raise the money.

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Irene said: “He’s the only person in the UK known to have Gemin5. There’s only 15 to twenty 20 worldwide with it."

Gemin5, which has no known cure, affects the survival of motor neurons that control mobility, meaning that Noah’s home and garden will need to be adapted in the future.

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The journey will see Irene and her husband Paul driving from Consett to Benidorm in a renovated car, with the proceeds going directly towards treatment for Noah.

The couple, who both love cars, were inspired by the ‘Benidorm or Bust’ charity car rally that has raised thousands for charity in the years it has ran.

Irene said: “You have to get a car, for £500 or less, do it up and drive it to Benidorm over the mountains.

“It’s going to take some doing to get this car done. At the moment it doesn’t have any insides.”

Irene revealed her theme for the car – directly inspired by Noah’s most loved film character.

She said: “We want to do it up for it to look like Woody from Toy Story. That’s Noah’s favourite thing.

“We are going to try and make a (sheriff’s) hat to go on top of it, I’ll have to bolt it on unless the French police tell us we have to take it off!”

She added: “Every day (of the trip) I’ve got a different Toy Story outfit to wear.”

Irene and Paul's road trip will begin on the May 15 and will last five days as the couple aim to reach the goal of £10,000. The money is to help fund specialist equipment to make his day to day life easier. 

To donate to Noah’s fundraiser, click here.