Rolls-Royce staff to take on epic running challenge for kids’ charity

Two Rolls-Royce employees are gearing up for an epic sponsored run to enable local children who have faced extreme trauma to enjoy a seaside holiday.

James Spray and Matt Shillcock are planning to run 100 miles in just 24 hours to raise money for Revive, a charity in Chaddesden which supports some of the most under privileged and vulnerable children and families in the area

The charity is planning to take a group of 30 children, parents and siblings on holiday to Butlins this August and are busy fundraising to give the families a holiday of a lifetime.

James and Matt, who are both experienced marathon runners, are planning to run the 100 miles between the company’s site in Wilmore Road and Skegness in just 24 hours to help fund the trip.

James works in the turbines division and former soldier Matt is a member of the team at assembly and test at Rolls-Royce.

Both are busy training for the epic challenge on Friday 26 July, which they have named #SAS Skegness.

James explained: “I have seen the fantastic work that Revive does in this community and the positive difference it has made to the lives of so many families in this part of the city.

“100 miles is a long way to drive and cycle but it is a totally different matter to run the distance in just 24 hours so we know it will be both a mental and physical challenge.

“I am so pleased that we are doing this together as running with someone else keeps you alert and is a distraction when the going gets tough – particularly in the middle of the night.”

Matt said: “The date of #SAS Skegness is important as it is the start of the school summer holidays and a time when children should all be looking forward to a holiday with their families.

“That is not possible for many families and, as parents ourselves, we were keen to ensure that these children supported by Revive who have all faced some extreme challenges will be able to do just that.”

Among those joining the trip this summer will be eight-year-old Joseph from Chaddesden who underwent a gruelling double lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital last May.

He will be joined by his parents Andy and Jade and his six brothers and sisters, including the latest addition to the family who will be just a few weeks old.

Joseph contracted pneumonia when he was three months old, which scarred his lungs and he was later diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and Bronchial Obliterans.

Before the new lungs, Joseph only had 18% lung function, needed two litres of oxygen 24/7, regular hospital stays and a huge assortment of medication including IV antibiotics.

Since receiving two new lungs, he is still being treated for gastric problems but is otherwise doing well.

He has taught himself to ride a bike and even joined a local football team, but this will be the first time that the whole family have been able to go on holiday together.

Andy said: “Life for Joseph and the whole family has been really tough, so we are looking forward to our first holiday together.

“It will be just over a year since Joseph had the transplant and will give us time to re-set the button on family life.”

To support #SAS Skegness visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/sas-skegness .