Residents welcome Matt Baker and BBC Rickshaw Challenge to Kenilworth

By James Smith

20th Oct 2022 | Local News

Baker
Baker

Residents came out in force to cheer on Matt Baker as the BBC's annual Rickshaw Challenge came to Kenilworth.

Joined by 20-year-old Sanna Ahmad from Birmingham, the TV presenter finished the fourth of a five-day fundraiser at Kenilworth Castle today (October 20).

Raising money for BBC Children in Need, Matt has completed the relay-style ride for the past 12 years.

And as he and Sanna completed the penultimate day of this year's challenge they were greeted by residents lining the streets of the town and then in the castle courtyard to say well done.

Residents were given the chance to be photographed with the rickshaw, and Matt also posed for snaps with locals and English Heritage staff.

Setting off from Birmingham this morning, Matt was joined by Sanna Ahmad who has lived with an inherited blood disorder, called Thalassemia all her life.

The condition means there is less haemoglobin in her blood, which is needed to carry oxygen around the body. 

Every four weeks Sanna spends a day in hospital having a blood transfusion, without this she would become anaemic and extremely tired.

Although not outwardly visible, Thalassemia impacts heavily on day-to-day life. As a child Sanna often found herself too tired to join in with activities or be able to fully participate in school life. And until now, had never ridden a bike.

At 12 years old she was introduced to OSCAR Birmingham, a project supporting children with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia and is funded by BBC Children in Need. 

Here Sanna was able to meet others like her and get the support she needed. 

Now aged 20, Sanna is still at OSCAR to mentor younger children, giving the same support back that she once received.

She has also become inspired to train as a child nurse.

     

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