Community / Fundraiser plans to cover 16 half-marathons in May
AN INTREPID fundraiser has revealed his latest challenge – to push himself in his wheelchair over the distance of 16 half-marathons in the month of May.
Brynn Hauxwell, from Yell, is undertaking the challenge to celebrate turning 16.
He is fundraising for local charity Ability Shetland.
Brynn is autistic and has ADHD, severe asthma and fixed ankle contractures which means he relies on a wheelchair to get around.
He hit the headlines last year after pushing himself on his wheelchair a total 1,679 miles – the equivalent of Shetland’s coastline – to raise money for Ability Shetland.
The inspirational teenager was then nominated at the BBC Sports Personality Awards.
Brynn said the new challenge amounts to over 200 miles in just one month.
“I will be completing a full half marathon in one day which is 13.1 miles and will be completing a total of 16 half marathons during the month of May,” he said on his online fundraising page.
“So on average I will be completing a half marathon every other day, which is a minimum of 209 miles during the month of May. I predict each half marathon will take me a minimum of five hours to complete, if we get some good weather.
“I am still looking at getting out there regardless of the weather, battling Shetlands wind and rain, which means I could be out there pushing for 10 hours in one day. I’m going to concentrate on just taking that first push and focusing on one mile at a time.”
Brynn said a couple of years ago Ability Shetland “helped me to rediscover the great outdoors and also my freedom” by letting him use one of its all terrain wheelchairs.
He then fundraised to buy his own active wheelchair.
Brynn said he has been volunteering with Ability Shetland at their children’s clubs for over three years, and has volunteered over 950 hours.
Ability Shetland supports the efforts of disabled people to realise their full potential in all areas of life.
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