Chichester man with mystery health condition 'overwhelmed' after receiving birthday cards from as far as Thailand and USA

People from as far as Thailand and the USA responded to a birthday card appeal for an inspirational Chichester man.
Luis thanked everyone who took the time to send him a card, adding: "The words in them were from the heart and meant so much."Luis thanked everyone who took the time to send him a card, adding: "The words in them were from the heart and meant so much."
Luis thanked everyone who took the time to send him a card, adding: "The words in them were from the heart and meant so much."

Luis Coward's family was told he wouldn't reach his teenage years due to an extremely rare health condition, which has left doctors mystified.

However, Luis celebrated his 30th birthday on Sunday (November 29) at his home, which had been flooded with more than 100 cards following an appeal by his mum, Marie.

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Marie, from Lavant, said she was left 'amazed' by the response, with a card also sent by the House of Commons to Luis' 'extreme surprise'.

Luis' house was flooded with more than 100 cardsLuis' house was flooded with more than 100 cards
Luis' house was flooded with more than 100 cards

"I wasn't expecting half as many as what we had," Marie said. "He had some from France, Germany, Thailand, Canada and America. I wasn't expecting it to go as far.

"The messages in them were quite emotional. It's really lovely that people have spent their time writing the messages. It took him four hours to open them all.

"They were hung right across the front room."

Luis also received cards and letters, including old photos, from his primary and secondary school teachers.

Luis received cards from France, Germany, Thailand, Canada and the USALuis received cards from France, Germany, Thailand, Canada and the USA
Luis received cards from France, Germany, Thailand, Canada and the USA
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Marie added: "It was really nice that they spent the time. We're very pleased.

"He couldn't believe it. He had no idea until the days were getting closer and he was getting 10/15 a day.

"Luis was overwhelmed with them all. It seems he has touched a lot of people, so when he feels down he can look over these wonderful cards and realise he is not alone."

Luis thanked everyone who took the time to send him a card, adding: "The words in them were from the heart and meant so much."

Marie said she was left 'amazed' by the response to her appealMarie said she was left 'amazed' by the response to her appeal
Marie said she was left 'amazed' by the response to her appeal

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