ONE FAMILY SUPPORTS THE RICHARD WHITEHEAD FOUNDATION FOR #RUNWITHRICH

There was a huge show of public support for paralympic athlete and One Family Ambassador Richard Whitehead MBE as he unveiled his groundbreaking new #RunWithRich challenge recently.

Developed as a way of raising awareness and funds for the Richard Whitehead Foundation, #RunWithRich is a celebration of physical activity where disabled and non-disabled people are invited to come together and set their own running goals.

One Family was pleased to pack a coach with enthusiastic supporters and head to Holme Pierrepoint Country Park in Nottingham as the mass-participation event got underway. On what was a gloriously upbeat day for the entire family, with participants of multiple abilities, some in wheelchairs or on crutches. Another feature was a one-mile ‘sensory run,’ with different stations along the way designed to heighten the experiences of participants.

Despite himself being a double amputee, Richard runs with prosthetic legs and has won numerous half and full marathons. Having successfully defended his gold medal title for the 200m T42 in the Rio Olympics in 2016, he also received a silver medal for the 100m event. While his achievements are remarkable, he started #RunWithRich to enable everyone to compete in a physical activity in a fun and inclusive way.

A tireless campaigner for greater access to sports for all, Richard is determined to make a difference in the world, and as one of One Family’s valued ambassadors, has also travelled to Turkey to visit our Refugee Fund partner – the National Syrian Project for Prosthetic Limbs (NSPPL). While there, he was able to experience first-hand the complex process of creating prosthetic limbs for those who have been badly maimed in the Syrian conflict.

Bearing a tattoo on his right arm with the words “cometh the hour, cometh the man,” Richard is passionate about the power of sport to bridge social gaps and unite people. He sees events such as #RunWithRich as a catalyst to inspire people of every ability to enjoy sport.

After witnessing such a brilliant turnout in Nottingham, Richard is already planning another #RunWithRich for 2023 – so watch this space!

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