Podium finish for Thomas!

Kind-hearted Thomas Braniff celebrated his 23rd birthday last Thursday but there was call for more than the usual celebrations as just the night before, he held a charity kart race in Raceview, raising £1200 for the Cedar Foundation.

Thomas has learning difficulties after complications arose when he contracted meningitis as a very young child but his determination to achieve his goals and targets is as strong as anyone’s.

Thomas’ mother, Mina rang the Times on Friday to thank those who supported her son during his fundraising and to voice her pride at his achievement.

Mina Braniff said: “We are just so proud of him, the effort he put into this night was second to none.

“When he fell ill we were told that Thomas wouldn’t be able to walk or talk again and would probably be in a vegetative state. To see him come out the other side and achieve something like this makes us incredibly proud.”

Mina also wanted to thank the generosity shown by those who have sponsored Thomas, she added: “The support Thomas has received during his fundraising has taken us back, we knew that there would be people donating money but some of the amounts donated have been fantastic.

“His dad works at JTI and the staff there have been incredible and backed him 110%. While his friends on Facebook have shown their support and sent money down from as far as Belfast for this cause.

“We really can’t believe the generosity and would like to thank all those who have supported him, the staff at JTI, Facebook Friends, Andrea Wallace and the staff at Raceview, and anyone else who kindly donated.”