Find out what’s been going on

Less than a week after his 50th birthday, Chris Reay, who works as ICT Manager at Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, is participating in the Great North Run, then climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks (aiming to complete it in less than 12 hours) just days later on a mission to raise funds for children with additional needs and disabilities.

Chris said: “To celebrate my 50th birthday this year, I pledged to embark on a series of events to push me to my limits. Planning to complete 700 runs before September and, certainly no stranger to the Great North Run, I’ve booked my eighth event for September this year.

“But, when my good friend and colleague at Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, Jonathan Senior, experienced first-hand the wonderful work at Little Hiccups, I knew that I wanted to do my bit. So, I arranged to add in the Yorkshire Three Peaks just eleven days after the Great North Run to raise vital funds for this great charity.

“Jonathan and his partner, Lucy, are my inspiration. I’m doing this for them, and their lovely eight-year-old daughter, Primrose.”

Jonathan explained: “Due to left-sided brain damage acquired at birth, we received the devastating diagnosis that Primrose might never walk or talk – we were completely numb. Luckily, however, we came across Little Hiccups who welcomed us with open arms. They gave us a safe space to talk, allowed us to meet other families in similar situations, and supported us throughout the most difficult times in our lives.

“Thanks to Little Hiccups, Primrose has had access to hydrotherapy with a physio, which has increased her muscle range, and they’ve gifted us a wealth of knowledge through their inclusive (and free) courses to ensure we’re confident to meet her needs at home.

“We’re so proud to be part of the Little Hiccups family, and are truly grateful for all they’ve done – and continue to do – for us and our courageous daughter. And, we’re so appreciative to Chris, who’s raising valuable funds for the charity, to help us give back to those that have changed everything for us.”

Little Hiccups is a Leeds-based award-winning support group, established by parents who have children with additional needs and disabilities to support families experiencing similar diagnoses.

Since 2016, Chris has participated in many charity events, and has raised over £12,000 for NSPCC, Children in Need, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Cancer Research UK. While fundraising is his core motivation, he’s also spurred on by his own personal challenges too: “I started running back in 2016, following a health scare,” Chris continued. “It was suspected to be throat cancer – something a family member had also died of – and so I took to running as an escape, not wanting to burden my friends and family. I was diagnosed with a different, but non-life-threatening, condition but running became an essential part of my life.”

Chris completed the Great North Run on 8th September 2024 in 1:56:46 and just 11 days later embarked on the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

In total, Chris has raised a whopping £2,091.25.

Chris said: “Fortunately, we had great weather on the day of the Three Peaks. Myself and my friend, Mark, started out just after 7am (and the temperature was just four degrees!). However, once we got moving and the sun rose a little more it soon warmed up – and we even had to strip down to shorts and t-shirts!

“It certainly was a challenge – and I can honestly say it’s the toughest one I’ve done to date. The 4.5 mile descent of Whernside consisted of large drops which took a significant toll on my knees.

“We set ourselves the additional challenge to complete it in under 12 hours… And we’re thrilled to announce that we achieved the 25.57 mile trek in 11 hours and 57 seconds (which consisted of 9 hours and 24 minutes of moving time).

“I’d like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated to the Just Giving page, and sent me well wishes and congratulations – it means so much. Now, what’s next…?!”
A massive well done to Chris from everyone at Wedge Group Galvanizing for his fantastic achievements!

For more information about Chris’ motivation for choosing Little Hiccups, visit: https://newcastlemagazine.com/running-for-a-cause-west-yorkshire-fundraiser-tackles-two-epic-challenges-for-children-with-disabilities, or for any last-minute donations: Chris Reay is fundraising for Little Hiccups

By Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd

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