Wheelchair user takes on Kielder Half-Marathon

Sam Beecroft has been a full-time wheelchair user since 27th August 2017, when a motorcycle accident left him paralysed from the chest down.

Having previously led an active life competing for North Tyneside swimming and completing charity runs, Sam wants to finish the half-marathon at Kielder Waterside. “A goal of mine I am hoping to achieve is just to complete the course as it’s my first time doing something as big and as important as this.”

His close friend, Darren Collins, is the inspiration behind the race. Darren wanted to take him out in the Cheviots, and so they decided to sign up for the Kielder Half. They will be racing together on Sunday 8th October.

To train for the big day, Sam has been doing a 5-mile push from Blyth Beach to Seaton Sluice once a week, as well as doing the Kielder 10k route a couple of times over recent weeks. He has been enjoying the training, as he loves the outdoors and trying new things that wheelchair people ordinarily either struggle with or can’t do. One of his goals of completing the half-marathon is to show people that anything is possible for a wheelchair user.

Sam is raising money for Newcastle Wheelchair Rugby Club, a team he has been playing for for over 5 years.

We wish Sam and Darren all the best of luck with their training and the half-marathon!