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Belgian athlete Jennifer Lewinski at one of her summits.
Gruelling challenge helps ensure that children with a rare disease can study at home

Gruelling challenge helps ensure that children with a rare disease can study at home

Despite the intense heat, a dedicated Belgian athlete completed the challenge to reach the peaks of eight of Malaga's highest mountains in aid of AEFAT

Tony Bryant

Monday, 17 August 2020, 17:39

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Ultra-runner Jennifer Lewinski has recently completed a gruelling challenge in order to raise funds for AEFAT, a non-profit association that is made up of families and friends of patients with ataxia telangiectasia (AT).

Despite the intense heat, the dedicated Belgian athlete completed the challenge to reach the peaks of eight of Malaga's highest mountains in as many days. These included Los Reales, El Grajo, Ciclo, Chamizo, Lucero, Navachica and Torrecilla. Jennifer, who now lives in Malaga was accompanied by a group of runners from several provinces of Spain for the final challenge at La Maroma, the highest peak in the Sierra Tejeda (Axarquía).

The objective of the challenge, held between 1 and 8 August, was to raise money to adapt the computers of 30 children so that they can continue their education at home to protect them from contacting the coronavirus.

The project, which will be developed by specialist company BJ Adaptaciones, will cost approximately 30,000 euros. At the time of going to press, AEFAT were still waiting to confirm the final total Jennifer had raised.

AT is a disease that usually appears in early childhood and it affects the functions of different organs and causes the inability to coordinate movements. Sufferers are among those considered to be at high risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Jennifer, who was introduced to AEFAT during the Zurich Marathon in Malaga, told SUR in English that she was a little concerned about the challenge, but that she had succeeded through sheer determination.

"I am passionate about sport and I wanted to contribute my grain of sand to help these young people. I was afraid I wouldn't complete the challenge.

"The heat and tiredness accumulated over eight days in a row was harsh, but the motivation of the cause and the support I received during these days was greater than that," Jennifer said.

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