Whizz-Kids get set for Waterside half marathon

The Whizz-Kids charity supports disabled children and young people, providing the equipment, support and advice they need to enable kids to join in the fun, maintain their independence, and get the most out of life.

The charity has assisted in the lives of nearly 13,000 disabled children since it was founded in 1990, and this Sunday some of the local members will be lining up with the walkers and runners as they take on the 2km Fun Run taking place at Gransha grounds.

Among them will be 15-year-old Shannon Strouts McCallion, who is really looking forward to taking on the challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to it, as it’s a great way to raise awareness about the Whizz Kidz charity and all the work we’re doing,” she explained. “I’ve been in Whizz Kidz for two years now and I really love it. I’ve made loads of new friends and the club really helps us to gain our independence and gives me the confidence to do lots more things on my own.

“Everybody’s really friendly and we get the chance to play games and have fun, as well as talk and share our experiences. Sunday will be a great opportunity to meet up with some of my friends and show people what we’re all about.”

The Ambassador’s Club in the city runs once a month, and according to the charity’s regional fundraiser, Kelly Shaw, the most important aspect of the club is the emphasis on letting the children take the lead.

“Whizz-Kidz is a great charity and it’s fantastic that the young people from our local Ambassador club are taking part in the Waterside Fun Run to promote their club,” she said.

“We’re always looking for new young people to come to join, and we hope that taking part in this event will raise a little awareness of what we are about! Our Ambassadors are what Whizz-kidz is all about and without them taking part in events like this and raising some money we really couldn’t do the work that we do.

“The members take part in life skills activities which involve them in campaigning for the charity, media activity and our KidzBoard. The board allows them to be involved with decisions which affect the charity and represent our young people with the powers that be. For example, the NI KidzBoard representative is Joseph Cullen who is an Ambassador with our Londonderry Ambassador Club.”

The Whizz Kidz will be out in force to enjoy the day, and are calling on everyone to come along and join in one of the events on Sunday (September 9) which include the 2km Fun Run, the 10km Challenge Walk, the 13.1 mile Half Marathon event and the Relay Event, which breaks the race into three stages.

There will be a whole host of events for families to join in the fun at the Gransha Grounds on the morning of the race between 10.30am and 1pm, with the main race starting at 10.30am and the 2km fun run leaving at 10.45am.

For further information about the Waterside Half Marathon and to register online visit www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon. The event is organised by Derry City Council with associate sponsors Seagate, O2 and Autobar.

To know more about Whizz-Kidz or to join our network of Ambassador Clubs please call Kelly Shaw 9086 7692 or Nicole Milligan on 07901913090. www.whizz-kidz.org.uk For further information.