A Match made in Purpose
Earlier this year, Sport Structures and The Richard Whitehead Foundation embarked on a journey filled with exciting projects and initiatives, unlocking a world of possibilities. You might be curious about how this partnership came to be. Well, when we began our search for a charity partner, we were determined to choose an organisation closely aligned with our values and philosophy of adding value and making a positive difference to individuals. The Richard Whitehead Foundation emerged as the perfect fit.
Founded by the British Paralympian, Richard Whitehead MBE, a world record holder and two-time Paralympic champion in athletics, the Foundation shares a determined vision: to empower disabled people to achieve their goals and ambitions through sport and physical activity. It became evident that this was the charity with which we could genuinely make a difference.
Together, we are facilitating increased access to support and providing opportunities for disabled individuals. So, let's take a look at the remarkable journey we’ve undertaken over the past few months.
The Birmingham Half Marathon
May saw the first of our commitments to enabling disabled peoples’ ambitions as 7 of our Sport Structures team laced up their running trainers as they took on the mental and physical challenge of the Birmingham Half Marathon, all in support of The Richard Whitehead Foundation, raising over £1,200. With every step, we weren’t just running for the finish line; we were running for a cause, a shared passion for empowering disabled individuals to achieve their dreams through sport.
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Volunteering with spirit: Run with Rich Event
In June, we continued our journey with four enthusiastic team members volunteering at the Run with Rich 2023 Event in Nottingham. When catching up with Gill Prince, she spoke, "I have done a lot of volunteering over the years, with many charities, but my day at the Run with Rich event in Nottingham was the most fulfilling. The inclusive format catered for the most diverse range of abilities, disabilities, and ages. As a volunteer, it was a privilege to witness the effort and enjoyment put in and gained by the participants; not to mention the time and effort put in by the trustees to create a positive and safe environment full of smiles and personal achievements. I was a race marshal on the day and felt genuinely proud of everyone involved. I am now planning to volunteer with the Richard Whitehead Foundation again, at the Great South Run in October."
An inspiring annual event that through cheers, high-fives, and shared smiles, we stood shoulder to shoulder with The Richard Whitehead Foundation in their mission to create an inclusive and empowering community.
Running for a purpose: Great North Run Support
| Mark, our incredible Senior Project Officer ditched his desk for the day and laced up his running trainers once again, but this time, Mark didn’t just run; he guided, motivated, and showed us all that sport goes beyond physical boundaries as he completed his first ever support runner race, crossing the finish line with a new personal best. Now you might say the atmosphere pushed Mark to achieve that personal best, but after catching up with Mark post-race, he noted that “the individual I was supporting, supported me as much as I supported him, as he helped me to a 10km PB!” Mark identified communication as a critical skill to success, “It was really important to talk with my running partner beforehand to understand exactly what he needed from me in terms of support on the run – pre-warning of any upcoming corners, changes in gradient etc”. All in all, an excellent performance was had by all achieving the same aim of running for a purpose. |  |
Our Commitment knows no boundaries
But our journey doesn’t stop here. Our commitment to supporting the Richard Whitehead Foundation knows no boundaries. We understand that transformation is an ongoing process, one that requires sustained efforts, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. As we stand on the boundary of a new chapter in our partnership, we invite you to join us in spreading the message of empowerment, inspiration, and inclusivity through sport.
How can you be part of the journey?
Are you feeling inspired to make a difference? There are countless ways you can get involved. Whether that’s through participating in a charity run (click here), volunteering your time, or contributing to the cause (click here), your actions have the power to change lives. The Richard Whitehead Foundation’s vision aligns with our belief that every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves the chance to pursue their dreams through sport.
Together we are redefining what’s possible. So, here’s to the dreamers, the believers, and the doers. Here’s to The Richard Whitehead Foundation and every individual who dares to dream, no matter the obstacles and here’s to International World Day of Charity!
| Participate in a charity run here | Donate to The Richard Whitehead Foundation here |