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Diego Méntrida began its solidarity challenge with the West Syndrome Foundation. During this time he has worked hard to raise the maximum amount of money possible and help people suffering from this rare disease. And it is that the Madrid triathlete has touched him closely, since his brother suffers: “He’s a 3-year-old boy in a 23-year-old body.”.
A big campaign with more than 49,000 euros of donations
The triathlete has promoted the program ‘Running for West‘, a virtual solidarity race that raises funds for the West Syndrome Foundation, the rare disease that his brother Carlos has suffered since he was a child.
Diego, for those who do not remember, is a 21-year-old triathlete from Alcobendas, who in September in the Santander triathlon starred in a gesture of solidarity that moved all the people of all countries around the world. Without thinking twice, gave up his well-deserved third place on the podium to James Teagle, who had lost it in the last corner of the circuit by getting confused in direction. It was one of the scenes of 2020 in the world of sports. An act of fair play that was picked up and valued by all the media on half the planet. And when we say half the planet, that’s right, because the famous American actor Will Smith was moved by this act So caring and couldn’t hold back the tears of emotion. He noted him for his sportsmanship and stated that more people like him were needed in this life.
The man who moved Will Smith strikes again
“I was fourth behind Teagle”remembers Méntrida. “We had gone the whole race together, but on the last lap it left me. I couldn’t catch him and just 15 meters before the finish line you had to turn left and he passed by. I overtook him at that moment, but I stopped at the finish because I believed that he deserved to enter in front of me. I didn’t have time to think about it. If he had continued he would have been third and would have been on the podium. The race was won by Javier Gómez Noya, who has five world championships. I had never been on the podium with him, nor do I think I will. ” This great heroic gesture has had its deserved because, at the end of January of this year 2021, The UN recognized Méntrida’s gesture as an example for the youth.
The campaign for West Syndrome ended this week with more than 2300 virtual numbers sold and a collection of € 49,250 that go to the West Syndrome Foundation. Under the name of ‘running for west‘There have been sales of bib numbers through the internet and the organization of a series of events to fundraising.
West syndrome is a disease that affects children under one yearor sometimes even from pregnancy. It is called catastrophic epileptic encephalopathy. The causes are often unknown. There are different symptoms: spasms, psychomotor retardation, slowing down and disorganization of brain activity … People who suffer from it are very dependent, need constant supervision, and are prone to other diseases. Diego’s brother, Carlos, also suffers from epilepsy and autism.
Likewise, Diego Méntrida obtained virality and popularity because he preferred to lose a career. Now, he uses his fruits of success to help those who need it most. Diego is, without a doubt, an athlete and a person of ten.
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