Unique Kidz teens get set for Great North Run

Two disabled teenagers are aiming to show everyone that anything is possible as they begin training for the Great North Run, which they will complete in their wheelchairs.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Feb 2016, 08:00 BST
Photo Neil Cross Jonathon Pearson and Sarah Bayton from Unique Kidz are training at Bayfit gym before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charityPhoto Neil Cross Jonathon Pearson and Sarah Bayton from Unique Kidz are training at Bayfit gym before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charity
Photo Neil Cross Jonathon Pearson and Sarah Bayton from Unique Kidz are training at Bayfit gym before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charity

Jonathan Pearson and Sarah Bayton, both 18, have cerebral palsy and attend disabled children’s charity Unique Kidz and Co in Morecambe.

Having both attended the after school club and holiday clubs for many years, Jonathan and Sarah are a huge part of Unique Kidz and Co and they both want to give something back.

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What started off as a brief conversation has now turned into a team of 12 individuals who will join Jonathan and Sarah, taking it in turns to push their wheelchairs around the tough 13 mile route.

Photo Neil Cross Jonathon Pearson from Unique Kidz training at Bayfit gym before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charityPhoto Neil Cross Jonathon Pearson from Unique Kidz training at Bayfit gym before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charity
Photo Neil Cross Jonathon Pearson from Unique Kidz training at Bayfit gym before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charity

Local gym BayFit are supporting this campaign and owners Jefferson Cartmell and Rick Lowe along with personal trainer Kylo Gorman are part of the 12-strong team.

BayFit, based in Morecambe, have been charity partners with Unique Kidz and Co since 2014 and so far have raised more than £8,000. From all the fundraising events they have taken part in so far, including a 12 hour boot camp, two Born Survivors and numerous ‘train the trainer’ sessions, this by far with be their toughest.

This has also sparked a personal challenge for Jonathan’s parents, Mary-Jo and Andrew who have also signed up to the team.

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Neither Mary-Jo or Andrew are runners and are starting their training from scratch, so to be able to complete this with their son, who intends to cross the finish line walking with the aid of his parents, will be a very emotional achievement.

Photo Neil Cross Sarah Bayton from Unique Kidz training at Bayfit gym with Rick Lowe before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charityPhoto Neil Cross Sarah Bayton from Unique Kidz training at Bayfit gym with Rick Lowe before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charity
Photo Neil Cross Sarah Bayton from Unique Kidz training at Bayfit gym with Rick Lowe before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charity

The support from the local community so far has been really positive and Unique Kidz and Co are pleased to have such support from Andrew Hartley and Shaun Gash, who have offered their help with sourcing lightweight wheelchairs for Jonathan and Sarah to use on the day.

Unique Kidz and Co, who provide after school and holiday clubs for disabled children and young people, are ecstatic that this is happening.

Ellen Smith, fundraising and events co-ordinator, who is also part of the team, said: “To be a part of this team is absolutely inspiring.

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“For Jonathan and Sarah to be able to take part in the Great North Run is what Unique Kidz and Co is all about; everyone should have the same opportunities.

Photo Neil Cross Jonathon Pearson from Unique Kidz training at Bayfit gym before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charityPhoto Neil Cross Jonathon Pearson from Unique Kidz training at Bayfit gym before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charity
Photo Neil Cross Jonathon Pearson from Unique Kidz training at Bayfit gym before taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the charity

“We have set ourselves a big target to raise of £5,000, but as Jonathan and Sarah will prove, anything is possible, and with the help of the local community we hope to smash that target.”

If you would like to make a donation towards Jonathan and Sarah’s campaign please visit

http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/uniquekidzandco/gnr2016

Related topics:Ellen SmithMorecambe