Dedicated fundraiser, Peter Smith, who is known as Smudge, hit TV screens for the second time with his latest charity effort when he climbed into a giant ball to take part in a Water Zorbing Challenge at Folkestone sports Centre on behalf of a local hospice. His challenge was featured on Noel’s Christmas Presents Unwrapped which was screened on Sky1 on December 6th.
“The unforgettable Smudge”, as Noel Edmonds called him, made his first screen appearance on Noel’s Christmas Presents two years ago when he received a trip to Los Angeles with Noel and met up with his wrestling hero “Triple H” at a WWE event.
Smudge, who is 47 and has Downs Syndrome, has lived with Hft at our Kent service in Hythe since he was 21. He currently lives in a supported house which he shares with one other person.
A well known character in Hythe, he plays in the local pool and darts teams and is involved with the British Legion Sunday football team.
Despite his learning disabilities the intrepid Smudge has raised thousands for good causes and is an inspiration to those who know him.
Wendy Hawkins, manager of the Hft team which supports Smudge, nominated him for Noel’s Christmas Presents last year, and was thrilled to see him back on TV again.
“Smudge has raised a lot of money for charity over the years and taken part in numerous events from zip wire, abseiling and marathons to bed pushes and head shaves.He has an extremely generous and caring nature, always putting others before himself. I nominated him for Noel’s Christmas Presents two years go because I felt that he deserved to get something back for all that he does for others. It was great to see him on TV again, we’re really proud of him. He’ll never stop, he just loves doing it!”
17 December 2009
