Michelle Walks Through Flames For Little Lleyton

SWINTON, U.K. - March 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Aqua Babies swimming-class teacher Michele Potkin walked barefoot through flames at the Swinton Golf Club to raise badly needed funds for research into an extremely rare illness that has struck  six year old local boy Lleyton Coombes.

The youngster, a pupil at Springwood Special School in Swinton, suffers from the debilitating Niemann Pick Type C, a condition which is also known as Baby Alzheimers.

Michele, has known Lleyton’s family for many years and has helped raise funds for research into the condition through the ‘Pride In Lleyton Appeal’. The fact that her Aqua Babies classes are based at the swimming pool of the special school where Lleyton is a pupil means she can keep up with his progress.  

“Friends and family of Lleyton are desperate to raise awareness of the disease,” explained Michele. “Lleyton’s condition is progressing and he is unable to do things other children his age take for granted. There is no cure at the moment but Lleyton’s parents are determined to raise awareness and funds for research into a possible cure.

“As I have a good relationship with Lleyton’s family and with his school, I wanted to do something to help and when I heard about the firewalk I decided to put my name down immediately,” added the 32 years old mum of three who lives in Irlam.

Then when Michele realized she would have to walk barefoot over a 20 feet long course made up of burning coals and timber she decided to take some advice.

“There was an expert on hand who gave us a pep talk including some very useful advice on how to complete the firewalk safely,” explained Michele, who has been an Aqua Babies class teacher for two years.

“So when the big day came along I completed the course without any problems at all. It was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed it.”

Now Michele is looking forward to ‘cooling off’ at her regular Aqua Babies swimming classes at the Springwood Special School.

ENDS