Andy's Epic Wheelchair Marathon Challenge For Sheffield Children

Right, grab a brew and get comfy. Have you ever thought about running a marathon? It’s one of those massive life goals for some people, right? A huge test of endurance. Now, imagine doing ten of them. In ten different cities.

In just ten days. And doing it all in a wheelchair. Sounds almost impossible, doesn't it? Well, a guy named Andy Craddock is about to do exactly that, and his journey is bringing him right here to Sheffield. This isn't just about pushing his own limits; it's a massive campaign to raise awareness and vital funds for some brilliant causes, including one very close to our hearts.

So, who is this Andy fella?

Andy Craddock isn't your average bloke. He’s the founder of a brilliant organisation called Make Change BWCB, based over in Birmingham. His story is pretty incredible. After acquiring a disability as an adult, Andy found his life turned upside down. It’s the sort of thing that could make anyone question their future. But for Andy, he found a new sense of purpose through sports.

He didn’t just get back on his feet (so to speak); he decided to help others do the same. And so, Make Change BWCB was born. It's all about inclusive sport – which is just a way of saying sports that absolutely everyone can get involved in. They run sessions for wheelchair basketball, boccia (which is a bit like bowls, and super tactical!), and even American football in schools and across the community. Andy’s mission is to smash the barriers that stop people with a disability from getting involved in sports and feeling part of a team. His work in Birmingham has already made a huge difference to the local community there.

Ten marathons, ten days, one massive challenge

Andy is taking his passion for inclusive sport to a whole new level with this challenge. He’s aiming to complete a full marathon distance, every single day for ten days, each in a different UK city. This whole thing is a massive undertaking, designed to raise funds for ten different local charities and get people talking about what real inclusion looks like. This is more than just a physical challenge; it's a powerful campaign for change.

Just to give you an idea of what he's taking on:

• Challenge Dates: 7th – 17th July 2025
• Distance: 10 marathons in 10 cities over 10 days
• Mode: All completed in a wheelchair
• Purpose: Raising money for 10 local charities and raising awareness of inclusive sport

Think about the training, the logistics, the sheer determination needed. This is a proper epic challenge. And it's all for an amazing cause, helping a whole load of local charities get the funds they desperately need.

The Sheffield leg of the marathon

On Thursday, 10th July, Andy’s incredible journey brings him to Sheffield. And here, he’s dedicating his marathon to raising funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. If you’re from round here, you’ll know how important Sheffield Children’s is. It’s one of only three specialist children’s hospital trusts in the whole country. They provide amazing healthcare for children and young people from all over, covering everything from mental health support to highly specialised treatments for kids with a disability.

Andy’s route through the city is designed to shine a light on the amazing work the hospital does across different sites. His marathon will start at 8am at the main Sheffield Children’s Hospital. From there, his route will take him on a tour of other key locations:

• Ryegate Children’s Centre
• Northern General Hospital
• Concord Sports Centre
• The Olympic Legacy Park
• The Becton Centre
• Centenary House

He’ll then finish his long day right back where he started. Along the way, hospital staff and supporters from the local community will be out cheering him on. It’s a chance for the entire Sheffield community to show their support for this amazing challenge and for our brilliant children's hospital.

More than a marathon, it’s a campaign

Andy himself puts it perfectly. He said: “When I first became disabled, I had no idea what my future looked like. But sport gave me purpose again. This challenge is about more than pushing physical limits - it’s about showing people what’s possible when barriers are removed.”

And that’s the real heart of it. This whole adventure is about creating awareness and showing what can be achieved. It's a campaign to change perceptions. Around the main marathon route, there will be other events, including school workshops and inclusive sports sessions. It’s a chance for more children to see that sport is for them, no matter what.

This challenge is just one part of a busy year for Make Change BWCB. They've also got a big public showcase planned at Birmingham New Street Station on June 16th, with wheelchair basketball and even a choir flash mob. It's all about getting the message out there. There will also be media opportunities available for anyone wanting to cover this inspiring story, helping to spread awareness even further. This isn’t just a one-off event; it’s a movement. A movement to build a future where everyone has the chance to find their purpose.