A FITNESS trainer who provides Happy & Healthy active sessions for people with learning disabilities will run in this year’s Wokingham Half Marathon.
James McBride will take part in the annual sporting event to raise funds for CLASP, a Wokingham self-advocacy group for people with learning difficulties, whose members he supports to enjoy sports activities.
CLASP members value James’ weekly Happy & Healthy sessions at Wokingham Leisure Centre so much that they nominated him for last November’s Wokingham Community Awards.
At the Wokingham.Today event, James won Sports Coach of the Year, and has since decided to take on Wokingham’s Half Marathon in aid of the group who put him forward.
“We’re delighted that James is supporting us with this inspirational running challenge,” said CLASP’s Michele Munro.
“Health inequalities for adults with learning disabilities mean that, on average, they die 20 years younger than their peers, so, at CLASP, we promote exercise and healthy living.
“Once a week James helps our members take part in a range of different sports.
“He gets everybody involved, encourages each person to do their best, and is very supportive.
“We were delighted when he won Sports Coach of the Year after we nominated him, and it’s lovely that he’s returning the goodwill by showing how much he appreciates what we do, and raising funds for CLASP.”
James will be cheered on by CLASP members on the day of the half marathon.
“A number of our members have said they’d like to come along, and I’m sure we’ll all be waving some hand-made banners made at our our craft club,” said Michele.
James has set up a JustGiving page where people can support his fundraising efforts.
He said: “I have been involved with CLASP for just over a year and a half, and it is truly incredible to see how far the members have all come, just through the power of sports and movement.
“After their annual AGM I was left thinking about what more I could do to help CLASP, and here we are.
“Any donations, big or small, are massively appreciated by myself and this wonderful charity.”
The Wokingham Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 22.
It starts and ends at Cantley Park, having taken runners through Wokingham town centre.
To support James’ fundraiser, people can visit: justgiving.com.
Contributions can also be made via a fundraising bucket at the Wokingham Leisure Centre reception desk.
For information, head to: claspwokingham.org and wokinghamhalfmarathon.com
