Oswestry Cambrian Rotary is supporting fellow Rotarian and new club member Michael Beynon from Chirk in his attempt to run the London 2021 Marathon.
Michael is 26 years old and has Down’s syndrome as well as a visual impairment and a muscle condition called hypertonia. Ten years ago, he was told by doctors that he might need a wheelchair for most of his adult life. But Michael has never let anything hold him back. Last year – spurred on by his stepfather Stephen Walker and his Mencap support worker – he became the first Welsh person with Down’s syndrome to run the Virtual London Marathon. “It’s been my dream for six years to run the London Marathon,” he says. “By running, I will achieve my dreams.”
He is active as an athlete both within MENCAP and the Special Olympics. He became the first person with Downs Syndrome from Wales to complete the London Marathon in 2020, a feat he hopes to repeat in 2021. He has represented Wales or Great Britain at competitions in Germany, Ireland, Italy and Russia and in 2013, he was fortunate enough to run for Pope Francis in the Vatican Square.
If any person or business would like to support Michael in his attempt with his stepfather Stephen Walker to complete the 2021 London Marathon, then please go to the Virgin Money Giving page at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StephenWalker56
The Oswestry Cambrian Rotary is ready to welcome men, women, or couples of 18+ from the local community who want to be “people of action”. They normally meet at The Wynnstay Hotel, Church Street, Oswestry on Thursday evenings at 7.45pm and meet in the bar. For more information on what their new style of Rotary has to offer contact Mike Lade on 01691 570917, info@oswestrycambrianrc.co.uk or see www.oswestrycambrianrc.co.uk.
Pictured: Michael Beynon.
