Fundraising Walk Raises Thousands for Fleckney Boy

A fundraising challenge for a four-year-old boy from Fleckney who has a life-limiting muscle-wasting condition has raised more than £13,000.

Roman Gibbins, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2024, is at the centre of a crowdfunding appeal launched by his parents, Matt and Rebecca, to help fund a specialist wheelchair, mobility equipment, and future adaptations not available through the NHS.

The family also faces the prospect of moving home to meet Roman’s long-term needs.

The team with Roman and his family at the end of the challenge

More than £10,000 had already been raised before a team set off on a five-day walking challenge along the Cumbria Way in the Lake District.

The group, including Rob Gomez, Gary Waterfield, Jon Lawrence, John Dabbs, Andy Fitzpatrick, Danny Varnsverry and Paul Price, have now completed the challenge, with the total raised rising to more than £13,600.

They were supported by Mick Dunne, who drove a minibus provided by Brooke House College in Market Harborough.

Roman with his parents, Rebecca and Matt Gibbins

In a message shared on the family’s GoFundMe page, Roman’s parents praised the walkers and supporters who took part, saying the final mile of the journey was especially emotional as Roman, his family, and the team came together at the finish.

They thanked everyone involved, including walkers, support crews and Brooke House for providing the minibus, saying the effort had shown Roman “how much he is loved.”

The family added that the money raised will not only fund Roman’s specialist wheelchair but also help build a “Living Fund” to support his future care and needs.