Noah Herniman may not wear the cape, but he’s most definitely a Superhero.
The youngster always put others first and will hope Chepstow race-goers do the same on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28.
Seventeen-year-old Noah is already an old hand at fundraising, having devoted the past two years to raising money for Noah’s Journey.
Noah has an inoperable brain tumour and the focus of his efforts will be highlighted at the Superhero Family Fun day at Chepstow Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday.
Crowned Young Person of the Year at the 2022 South Wales Argus Pride of Gwent Awards, Noah’s fundraising enabled Kids Cancer Charity to purchase a lodge at Burham-on-Sea in Somerset earlier this year, now known as Noah’s Retreat.
But the fundraising is continuing as Noah’s mum Shelley explained: “The lodge is now up and running which is wonderful, but there are obviously ongoing costs.
“There is site rent to pay at the park, plus other items so Noah is very committed to keeping the fundraising going.
“He’s achieved his main aim of creating somewhere for families to go when a child is seriously ill, somewhere they can relax and make lovely memories, but he’s determined to keep going to raise the funds to pay for the running of the place.”
Chepstow Racecourse are backing those efforts by supporting Noah’s fundraising for the second year with the Bank Holiday Superhero Family Fun Day.
In addition to a six-race flat meeting, there will be other heroes alongside Noah - Spiderman, Batman, Superman, Superwoman, Iron Man and Captain America will all be there.
Youngsters can dress up as their favourite Superhero and reach for infinity and beyond, or at least as far as the Chepstow Racecourse parade ring, where they can take in the colour and spectacle of race horses and their jockeys.
There are other attractions bound to appeal to budding superheroes - dodgems, the Sizzler & Chaos ride, bungee trampolines, mini planes, monster trucks, teacups, face painting, a DJ, Go Karts, inflatables and magicians.
Capes or no capes, all Superheroes under 18 go free.
Noah’s hero credentials are impressive. The teenager decided he wanted to raise funds to build Noah’s Retreat, a permanent holiday home offering respite care to families going through similar journeys to his own.
That has been his motivation, rather than raising funds to go overseas in search of treatments that don’t really exist at present.
His mum Shelley says:”This idea of raising money for a retreat for people was his idea and it’s really important to him.
“He believes it’s vital that people have time to make memories. He always says to me, ‘You don’t make memories sitting in a hospital or even your own living room - or at least ones that you want to remember!’
The Superhero Family Fun Day will allow people to support Noah’s Journey and help him secure his ambition for the long-term retreat.
Kids go free on the day and families can also bring picnics to the event, but no alcohol.
Chepstow Racecourse executive director Phil Bell said: “Noah is an inspirational young man and we are delighted to be able to support his campaign.”
