CHILDREN with disabilities in Reading and Wokingham boroughs have received a helping hand from a long-distance runner, who travelled more than 100km last weekend for Me2 Club.
William Bevis took part in Race to the Stones on Saturday, July 10 to raise money for the Woodley charity which supports youngsters with additional needs.
William, who lives in Sonning Common, says he wants to help ensure all children can access extra-curricular activities regardless of special requirements.
“Clubs were really important to me and my development socially,” William explains.
“My childhood wasn’t the greatest but clubs were essential and I’ve now carried on with sport all my life.
“Me2 Club goes a long way to ensure that somebody’s disabilities or extra needs don’t stop them from taking part and that is really important to me.”
The 102km (63.4 miles) Race to the Stones took more than 2,000 runners across one of Britain’s oldest paths from Lewknor, Oxfordshire, to Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire last weekend.
William, who completed the distance in 16 hours and 15 minutes, says it was physically and mentally exhausting.
“I ran 100km around four or five years ago, so I felt really good up until the 80km mark when my ankles were starting to get a bit tender,” he says.
“When the sun goes down and you’re tired and can’t see the views, it’s also mentally tough to keep ploughing on.
“You’ve only got that small bit of world in front of you, illuminated by your head torch.”
So far, the runner has raised £620 for Me2 Club, overshooting his target of £450.
He said he is pleased with the result after he struggled to fundraise during the pandemic.
“Times are tight for a lot of people so you’ve got to go above and beyond to get them putting hands in their pockets,” William says.
“It just shows how generous people are around me and how much people respect the work Me2 Club does.”
Shaun Polley, Me2 Club’s chief executive, said the charity is grateful for the runner’s support.
“This was a truly amazing challenge that Will took part in to support local children with additional needs and disabilities,” he says.
“With restrictions easing, and many of us enjoying greater freedoms, it’s crucial for us to not forget the impact of lockdowns on the children and families we work with.”
Shaun says the charity is now working to reconnect children following more than a year of isolation.
“We would like to say a big thank you to Will, and to everyone who has sponsored him so far, as together we will be helping children to return to the leisure activities they benefit from and enjoy being able to join in with,” he adds.
Now, William is looking to the future as he prepares to run the Virtual London Marathon in October to raise more funds for Me2 Club.
To find out more about his recent epic charity challenge, and to make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/william-bevis1
