Northampton runners aiming to raise £6,000 for ‘parkrun legend’ who needs a new wheelchair

A group of Northampton runners are taking it upon themselves to help a boy who needs a new wheelchair.

Rowan is a ‘legend’ at the Racecourse parkrun, which is a 5km run that takes place every Saturday morning.

The 10-year-old has undiagnosed genetic disorders that means he often relies on a wheelchair when he becomes tired.

Michelle Lewis, who is one of the selfless runners fundraising for Rowan, said: “He used to come to parkrun with his carer and he would be pushed round.

“For years Rowan has been a parkrun legend, but during the last couple of months we haven’t seen him much.”

Rowan has recently had an ‘unexpected growth spurt’ and has outgrown his current wheelchair, which is why he has not been to parkrun.

Michelle added: “His current wheelchair is unsuitable and it’s painful for him to sit in.

“He needs a specially designed one.

“Rowan really needs the chair by the end of March so he can go on the International Scout Camp this summer.

“He has been told he is well enough to go, but he won’t be able to without a wheelchair.

“So a group of us Northampton parkrunners have taken this on to help raise the money for the chair and that’s why we have so much going on in a short space of time.”

To fund the wheelchair, the team needs to raise a total of £6,000. They have already raised £2,500 and have events in place to increase their funds.

On Sunday (February 23), the seven fundraisers have organised a fun shoe run that will start from Delapre Abbey at 9am and tour all the shoes in the town, as well as some of the factories that used to, or still make shoes.

All running abilities are welcome at the run that will be around six miles.

Michelle says ‘there will be plenty of opportunities to pose for a selfie with a shoe’.

To take part the organising team is asking for a £5 donation to Rowan’s JustGiving page, with the reference ‘shoe run’ so they can tick each person off on the day.

Michelle and the team have also made parkrun on March 21 all about Rowan. Runners will be asked to wear yellow as Rowan loves the Minions.

As well as the runs, the team has an online auction ongoing and is planning a quiz night as well as other fundraising activities.

You can find out more about the online auction here or you can donate to the wheelchair fund on the JustGiving page.More information about the shoe run and links to the other fundraising activities can be found on this Facebook page.