Last updated at 15:36, Friday, 02 November 2012

THE legacy of the Paralympic Games has been kept alive with the first Disability Fun Run. Reporter JO DAVIES met the young people inspired to get into sport

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CHILDREN with disabilities took Sunday’s foul weather in their stride as more than 100 people set off to complete Barrow’s first Disability Fun Run.

The only concession to the weather was the decision to drop the 1,500 metre distance and have everybody complete an 800 metre lap of the park.

The event was the first of its kind based in Barrow Park and was hailed as a huge success. Although a non-competitive event, personal victories were celebrated as participants returned to applause and cheers.

Katy Galbraith was all smiles as she walked across the finish line.

The brave 17-year-old has a recurrent brain tumour for which she has had extensive treatment, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and painful surgery.

One bout of surgery left her in a coma for nearly two weeks and another resulted in the loss of movement in her feet and legs.

To walk unaided on Sunday was a milestone achievement for Katy.

“From not walking about two months ago to managing to do that – I am proud of myself,” said the Ulverston student.

“I’ve been having physio and doing exercises at home and at school and practicing my walking. I’ve got lots of free periods because I’m in sixth form so in some of those free periods I do a couple of laps around the school.”

Other participants completed the course with support from family and friends.

And a contingent of more than 40 Walney Wind Cheetahs were positioned around the course to add to the party atmosphere.

The running group helped organise the event, in partnership with the Furness Parent and Carer Disability Forum, National Autistic Society Furness Branch, Wildcats Wheelchair Sports Club, Barrow Borough Sports Council, the Park Leisure Centre, and Barrow parkrun, and had their own reason to celebrate after winning the national title of Run England Group of The Year, the previous evening. Group leader Ian Jones said: “Thanks to everyone who turned up to the Disability Fun Run, a fantastic turn out from the WWC and from all the kids and their families.

“In a weekend of excitement and euphoria it puts things in perspective seeing these guys attempting, and thoroughly enjoying, an 800m in the wet and cold. It’s us all working together and doing things like this that win us awards, and that’s all very nice, but let’s remember how lucky we are to just be able to get our gear on and go out for a run whenever we want.”

Thirteen-year-old Connor Moore took his own support crew, from two-year-old sister Lily, who completed the course on her trike, to 15-year-old big sister Georgia, who was at Connor’s side as he crossed the finish line the winner.

Connor has epilepsy but doesn’t let that stop him enjoying a range of sports with Barrow Sports Council.

“He always comes to the activities,” said his mum, Maxine Moore.

“He comes to swimming, trampolining, we’ve booked on to all of the half term events.

“He enjoys canoeing and rock climbing. He’s a very physical boy.”

Connor may have come first but all the participants were winners and received a medal to prove it.

Twins Pippa and Alex, 12, were delighted with their medals.

They came from Kirkby Lonsdale to take part. Mum Clare Rowland said: “We saw the event on the internet. We’d come again. They really enjoyed it and we wouldn’t have got our act together otherwise. Pippa loves swimming, running, climbing, sailing and cycling.”

Clearly a big hit with the kids, the event was also a winner with the parents.

“We appreciate the respite events like this offer,” explained Maxine.

“Not just for me but for Connor too, as I have to do everything with him normally. But he doesn’t have to do this activity with me.” Having handed out the medals, county councillor Melvyn Worth said: “I would most certainly like to see this happen again.

“This was Ian Jones’ idea and it’s been brilliant. I spoke to a couple of mothers and they were saying this is what they really want for their children.

“It’s only an hour, but it’s somewhere for them to go and something they enjoy. Barrow Park is an absolutely first class venue for an event like this.

“It’s just a shame it wasn’t on Saturday but they were so enthusiastic.”

First published at 16:40, Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk