Local Boy And Grandpa Hit The Trails After Fundraiser Goal Met
/Hudson Wells, 10, and his grandfather Doug Fudge towed along the snowmobile trails in Lake St. Peter after a GoFundMe of $5,000 afforded them a sled on Friday afternoon.
Wells suffered from encephalitis since he was 13 months old that caused his physical disabilities. The sled would cater to his limitations while Fudge towed him with a snowmobile.
Brian Denena of Orillia, Ont. started the fundraiser on Feb. 11 where the goal was met in less than 24 hours. The community’s generosity was overwhelming for Fudge and his family.
“Just the overwhelming support was unbelievable,” said Fudge. “It was a dream come true. I never would have for it without the help of everyone.”
Hudson Wells excited to ride his sled for the first time. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells
Both of them rode the trails for an hour. The experience for Fudge was surreal and said it was mutual for Wells.
“He was over the moon,” said Fudge. “I don’t know how to explain it. It was so emotional.”
Hudson Wells (left) was limited to short rides in the driveway before obtaining his new sled. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells
The sled was purchased from Kijiji in Ottawa. Fudge drove there last weekend to pick up the sled. Fudge originally intended to purchase a used sled and fix it up himself.
”I had people offering to build me one (sled),” said Fudge. “I might have had 20 sleds of all types and sizes donated to me if I wanted to. In my wildest dreams, I never thought that this would happen.”
Hudson Wells typically gets to visit his grandfather two to three times a week. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells
