Bolton teenager to take part in world's first fully accessible fun run

Kira Glossop, aged 16, will be competing in the 10km Parallel London event at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday, in a bid to raise funds for disabled children across the UK.

The Bolton youngster has cerebral palsy and was given her ‘power chair’ by Bolton based charity Whizz-Kidz when she was 13.

Kira said: “I can’t wait to be taking part in Parallel London and be raising money for Whizz-Kidz. It’s great that there is an event that everyone can take part in no matter what your age or ability.

“I hope that events like this start to break down barriers and overcome division. Sport and activity should be for everyone and this is the perfect opportunity for us to make a change.”

She will be joined by ambassadors and celebrities including Channel 4 sports reporter Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, the 12th Earl of Shaftsbury Nick Ashley-Cooper, actress Samantha Renke and former England under 21’s rugby player Matt Hamption, who became a tetraplegic after an injury during scrum practice.

Mr Jarrett-Bryan has a prosthetic leg after being born without the fibula bone in his right leg and a deformed foot.

He said: “London’s 2012 Paralympics and this year’s Para Athletics have paved the way in helping disabled people feel included within sport and activity.

“Parallel has gone one step further in the wake of this fantastic legacy, as an event that encourages everyone to take part, no matter what your age or ability.

“I am delighted to be running alongside Kira for Whizz-Kidz in this year’s Parallel London, as a patron and an advocate for the incredible work they do to support disabled children and young people across the UK fulfil their potential.”

The Parallel London fun run and family festival is open to participants of all ages and abilities, with wheelchair users and runners competing side by side.

There are no cut off times and its aim is to remove barriers, dispel preconceptions and release potential.

Cecilia Magill, senior events fundraising manager for Whizz-Kidz, said: “Fully accessible and inclusive events like Parallel London are a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on inclusivity within

sport and activity for everyone and also a chance for disabled children, young people and their families to get involved in what will be a fantastic

day.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Parallel London this year and working together to make this event a possibility.

“We would like to thank all of our participants, like Kira, for taking part and raising funds.

“Without their invaluable support, we would simply not be able to carry on our vital work helping to transform the lives of disabled children and young people across the

UK.

“There is much still to be done to ensure that they have the right equipment and support to live the lives that they

deserve.”

Anyone who wants to donate to Kira can do so by going to justgiving.com/fundraising/kira-elysee-glossop