Brothers Joe Woodgate and Ricky Taylor of St Neots ran the London Marathon in support of the National Deaf Children’s Society. Ricky finished the marathon distance of 26.2 miles in a time of 4 hours, 16 minutes, while Joe, who was hampered by a muscle problem, came in at 4 hours, 51.
They chose to run for the National Deaf Children’s Society because Ricky’s daughter, Indie, 4, was born deaf and also has cerebral palsy. She and her family have been receiving ongoing support from the charity.
Between them, the duo have raised over £6,000 for the charity, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families.
Joe is a gas engineer and lives with his wife Beth, while Ricky works as a production operator and lives with fiancée Shanie and children Indie and Harlow.
Joe said: “It was incredible from start to finish. The atmosphere was something I’ve never experienced. I’d been told how good it was, but it exceeded my expectations.
“Everyone was just so kind. I wasn’t expecting so many people – they filled the entire route.
“I felt such relief when I crossed the finish line. Training was tough at times, but my amazing wife kept helping me on days I didn’t want to run. She’s the reason I got to the start line!
“Ricky and I chose the National Deaf Children’s as it’s a charity close to our hearts. To see the help and confidence Indie has got having hearing aids just made me want to help more young people.
“We felt that being part of something that helps young people with hearing loss was just so important.”
Hannah Awesome, who supports fundraisers for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Joe and Ricky for taking on this challenge for us. To conquer the London Marathon is a fantastic achievement. We’re very proud of you.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of selfless fundraisers like Joe and Ricky will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”
Those wishing to make a donation can still do so by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/page/joe-woodgate-1690833798759
There are around 435 deaf children in Cambridgeshire.
The National Deaf Children’s Society
- There are more than 50,000 deaf children in the UK; three babies are born deaf in the UK every day.
- The National Deaf Children’s Society is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for every deaf child.
- We aim to make every moment count in the life of a deaf child, from the moment their deafness is identified to their first day at school and beyond, both in the UK and around the world.
- We empower families to make informed choices and champion their child, offer specialist support and bring families together so they feel part of a supportive community.
- For more information about the work of the National Deaf Children’s Society and to download the free My NDCS app, featuring tailored information, support and resources, please visit www.ndcs.org.uk
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