Friends to take on gruelling challenge to help disabled Rugby kids - The Rugby Observer

Friends to take on gruelling challenge to help disabled Rugby kids

Rugby Editorial 3rd Nov, 2021 Updated: 3rd Nov, 2021   0

TWO disabled children from Rugby are set to benefit from a sponsored indoor triathlon organised by their parents and a friend.

The event will raise vital funds for charities which support Archie Bushell, 13, who was born with Down Syndrome, and 14-year-old Mia Williams, who has a genetic condition which left her with a variety of issues, including being born with no eyes.

Archie has been attending Saturday clubs run by the Ups of Downs charity since he was a baby.

Mum Natasha said: “The Ups of Downs has been a lifeline to us as a family since Archie was born.




“The charity provides Saturday sports and drama clubs, speech and language intervention, specialist training for professionals working with our children, and youth clubs on a Sunday.

“The charity’s support to families like ours means that every child with Down Syndrome has the opportunity to live their life to maximum as fully included, valued members of society.”


Mia has received invaluable support from Sense, a charity which helps people with complex disabilities to communicate with and experience the world.

Her mum Fran Condry said: “Sense provides fantastic holistic support for Mia. She has access to monthly sensory play sessions at home, forest school club on Zoom, and monthly youth clubs. At the same time, they have experienced staff who help train and support school staff with matters of sensory impairment.

“They provide really vital and engaging opportunities for people born with multi-sensory impairments with a focus on integrating deaf-blind into communities.”

Natasha and Fran joined forces with close friend Parvin Boyal to start fund-raising for the two charities, and are now encouraging Rugbeians to join in with their third sponsored indoor triathlon, being run in collaboration with Nuffield Gym.

The triathlon – which comprises a 2k row, a 5k bike ride and a 3k run – costs £5 to enter, with all funds going directly to the two charities.

It takes place at Nuffield Gym at Junction One Retail Park on Saturday November 13. The event is open to everyone, and doors will be open for the public to come along and take part in a raffle, a cake sale and face painting.

Call the gym on 01788 554 300 to enter the triathlon.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/3rcd6daa to sponsor Natasha, Fran and Parvin.

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