"It will be worth it to have a positive impact on so many lives"

Saturday 03 September 2022

A Jersey man who was born with only one fully-formed limb is one of three runners taking part in the London Marathon next month, to raise money for the Jersey Employment Trust.

Around 40,000 runners will be taking to the streets of the capital to complete the gruelling 26.2 mile course, and they'll include a host of inspiring Channel Islanders who are raising money for some amazing local charities.

The Jersey Employment Trust have three runners entering the London Marathon on their behalf, one of whom is Stuart Penn.

Born with only one fully-formed limb, Stuart will be aiming to complete his first marathon.

Pictured: Stuart was born with only one fully-formed limb.

As a child he was told he would never walk, ride a bike or lead a normal independent life but he was raised by parents who decided there was no such word as ‘can’t’.

Stuart has since gone on to achieve 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and a Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, compete in disabled athletics, perform stunt work in movies and TV productions, and help build an industry in casualty simulation for those with limb loss. He is also currently Acting Head of Skills Jersey.

Stuart said: "Challenges will include rubbing of the prosthetic limbs and my knee turning as it is unstable. It’s never going to be a walk in the park!

"I will also have to change my prosthetic legs a few times."

Pictured: "Challenges will include rubbing of the prosthetic limbs and my knee turning as it is unstable."

He added: "What will help keep me going is the thought that I’m raising money for such an amazing organisation. JET support so many of my fellow disabled Islanders to be able to access work and the life benefits this brings that no matter how hard this marathon is going to be, it will be worth it to have a positive impact on so many lives."

JET assist people with a disability or long-term health condition to find and sustain employment.

You can sponsor Stuart online here.

Jersey Mencap is another local charity which have successfully bid for a London Marathon spot.

It is the first time they have been successful and sports enthusiast, Liam McCormack (known as 'Jinky'), will be their runner. 

Liam, who now works for Boxinbusiness, said: “Running a marathon has always been on the bucket list, so when a friend said Jersey Mencap were looking for someone to run and fundraise for them it was perfect opportunity.”

Liam joined Jersey Mencap members this week as their social club got together for a petanque & pizza evening. Members, including Matt Hamon were excited to see Liam and show him what Jersey Mencap is all about.  

Matt commented “Liam is inspiring and it’s really kind that he is fundraising for us all here”.

Liam added: “Jersey Mencap run a number of projects for people with a learning disability including sports, health and wellbeing as well as a busy social club. I know some of the members and the difference having access to these clubs is really important – that’s my motivation and I hope I can raise funds for this local charity.”

Pictured: Jersey Mencap's art group have been busy making a sign to support Liam (know as 'Jinky').

The Jersey Mencap team are planning a few events for members and friends to enjoy and show support for Liam. They would like to thank Liam and all his supporters for his fundraising so far and wish him luck with his training schedule in the coming weeks.

You can support Liam and Jersey Mencap by sponsoring his marathon via JustGiving.