‘It’s a chance to say thanks’
CITY PARALYMPIAN IAN MARSDEN WANTS EVERYONE TO GET BEHIND A GREAT BRITISH NHS FUNDRAISER ...
“Over the years I have received the greatest of care at the Royal Stoke”
PARALYMPIAN Ian Marsden is taking time out of a gruelling training schedule for the Tokyo 2021 Games to back a national fundraising drive for NHS hospitals.
The Stoke-on-trent paracanoeist has joined a growing band of people looking to raise money - and express their gratitude to hospital workers - by taking part in the Great British Rainbow Active Series.
The not-for-profit event invites people of all ages and abilities to undertake a cycle ride, run or walk challenge for their local hospital each month and Ian, 49, who suffers from a rare motor neurone condition, is handcycling to raise money for the Royal Stoke University Hospital where he receives treatment. Ian, who joins the British Paralympic team heading to Japan in August, was a champion powerlifter until he suffered a spinal injury in 1992.
His condition was discovered while being treated.
He said: “Over the years I have received the greatest of care at the Royal Stoke and the Series offers people like me a chance to raise a bit of money and say thanks. It was tough being told ‘you will never walk again’ but exercise got me through. I would encourage everyone to get behind the Series and help the NHS.”
Leading the Series are Staffordshire couple Michelle Vorel-adams and Phil Fortun who staged a cycling marathon during the first national lockdown and raised £5,000 for the Royal Stoke University Hospital where
Michelle was treated for a lifethreatening DVT.
Michelle, appointed European Cycling Directeur for her efforts to promote cycling and wellbeing, said: “The Series is a fantastic opportunity for local people to get behind a fundraiser that promotes physical activity while saying a big ‘thank you’ to local hospitals and those brave souls on the frontline.
“It’s been months in the planning but in June, we already have people from all over the country registered and undertaking a personal challenge at their own pace.
“We’re especially thrilled to have a celebrated sportsman like Ian taking part. He epitomises true British spirit and shows what can be achieved through sheer grit and determination. It’s lovely to see his son, Josh, joining him on his bike as we are keen to get the fitness message over to families.” Michelle, is a former assistant director at Stoke on Trent City Council, and is now UK and Ireland President for ACES Europe – the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation charged with promoting physical activity and healthy living across more than 3,000 cities and four continents. ACES paid tribute to Michelle’s ‘grit and determination’ and willingness to inspire others to cycle by sharing her own personal battle against illness. Michelle added: “We have lived through a dreadful chapter in British history when the health of the nation has been in grave danger and we continue to live with the threat of coronavirus. “The pandemic continues to shine a spotlight on how crucial it is to integrate physical activity into daily lives. The bottom line is exercise supports health and if we can raise money for local NHS hospitals at the same time, then it’s a double whammy.” The fundraising campaign asks participants to set a fitness challenge and raise money for the NHS hospital of their choice. There are medals and pin badges along the way and gift boxes when they register. A wide range of high-profile sponsors are backing the Series including ACES Europe, Clif Bar, Fox’s Biscuits, Grand Tour Coffee Co, Le Col, Mornflake Mighty Oats, Presca Sportswear, Francesco Group, Moving Lives, Proper Cycling, QPS Print, The European Platform for Sport Innovation, The Women’s
Tour and WKG Sports.