AN “inspirational” teenager who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour last year is on a mission to raise funds to help families in similar situations to his own.

Noah Herniman,  aged 16, from Chepstow, discovered he had a benign tumour at the core of his brain last summer.

But instead of raising funds to travel abroad for treatment, which his mum Shelley says “is really non-existent at the moment”, he has chosen to give other families on similar journeys a chance to “make memories” by campaigning to raise funds to create a special holiday home, called ‘Noah’s Retreat’.

Chepstow Racecourse are “proudly” supporting Noah’s cause by hosting a Family Fun Day on Bank Holiday Monday (August 29).

It is hoped that ‘Noah’s Retreat’ will be a permanent holiday home offering respite care to families, with the 16 year-old “determined” to deliver something that will “stand the test of time”.

His campaign has already earned considerable backing and support, including from Welsh actor Michael Sheen.

In the midst of organising the fundraiser, Noah is also gearing up for “more arduous” chemotherapy that is currently stabilising the growth of his tumour, but is unable to make it shrink.

His mum Shelley said: “Noah has made it clear to us, he doesn’t want us to raise funds to send him abroad for treatment that is really non-existent at the moment.

“He says to us, ‘I want to live here and now, mum.’

“So, this idea of raising money for a retreat for people is 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!’

“We have some very insightful conversations, considering he’s a 16-year-old.”

Noah - who is a massive Dr. Who fan - is currently exploring ideas for his retreat, ranging from a static caravan to a cottage by the sea.

He has already kicked off his fundraising with a variety of events, including shaving the head of his teacher at school on the last day of term.

The six-race flat meeting at Chepstow this month will offer “a wide variety of family entertainment”, as well as an opportunity for everyone to help Noah help others.

“This race day is really important to him and to us,” Shelley added.

“It means so much to him to get this off the ground, which he knows is going to be a huge task. He has started a crowd-funding page, does various events like spin the wheel and many different things, and now we have a day at the racecourse.

“Raising awareness and getting some momentum behind this is so crucial to him.

“Noah is very quirky and sometimes he doesn’t realise how funny he is. I have said to him, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? It’s going to be a lot of work.’ And he laughs and says, ‘Yes, mum, I know. But it’s really important.’

“He is a very humble boy and down to earth. He doesn’t feel like he is doing anything extraordinary, perhaps because he’s been involved in his community, helping with fundraisers, for years.”

The fun day will feature a strong six-race card and a range of family events to enjoy, including fun fair rides, dodgems, children’s rides, face-painting, bungee trampolines, bouncy castles, treasure hunts and more.

Kids go free on the day and families can also bring picnics to the event, but no alcohol.

Chepstow Racecourse executive director Phil Bell commented: “Noah is an inspirational young man and we are delighted to be able to support his campaign.

“Once again, it shows that horse racing and charity events offer a perfect partnership opportunity, but particularly for campaigns like this one which is all about generating awareness and visibility.

“We are very much looking forward to hosting Noah and his family and it should be a great day for everyone.”

For book tickets for the event, go to www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/family-fun-day-in-support-of-noahs-journey.