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 looked at different ways how he could raise money, such as running a marathon, cycling or having a night race, but “none of that felt original enough” to him.
Lewis said: “I wanted to do something that was a bit out there, so I decided I wanted to get shot at with paintballs!
“I asked four of my friends if they would like to take part, and they were quick to say yes. I agreed to 100 paintballs each, so 400 paintballs in total.”
The event took place at Scottish Assault Courses in Galston on Saturday, April 6, and as sore as it was, Lewis described it as “an amazing experience”.
He said: “At the beginning, I was fine and didn’t feel nervous, but as soon as I went onto the firing range and my friends pointed the guns at me the nerves kicked in.
“I haven’t experienced pain like this before and it didn’t help I only wore skin-tight thermals with a T-shirt and shorts.
“Once my friends started shooting the adrenaline did take over but still felt every paintball. Out of the 400 paintballs, I think around 360 paintballs hit me. My body is covered in lumps and bruises but definitely worth it as it’s for a good cause.”
MBE Dream Makers Foundation is run by three employers who help children and their siblings who are going through gruelling treatments to meet their idols such as Johnny Depp, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, McBusted, The Script, and The Scotland football team.
The children are also given the chance to go along to concerts, theatre shows, football games and outings to M&D’s theme park, Blair Drummond Safari park, Zoos, Restaurants or anything they desire to make their lives a little more bearable during this hard 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.
“Listening to Les tell the origins of the charity, what they do to help and support sick children and their families and the struggles the charity faces to continue doing the hard work that they do, I was inspired and knew I had to do something to help raise funds and awareness.
“The charity works tirelessly night and day to make dreams come true for the amazing children they support. To see these amazing children smile and for their families to have the memories of their sick children enjoying themselves is priceless.”
To date, Lewis has raised £320 and is hoping to hit his target of £1,000.
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