Chair of Power2Inspire receives Scottish Rugby cap
We are delighted to announce that Power2Inspire Chair of Trustees, Jeremy Macklin, has been presented with a retrospective International Cap by Scottish Rugby!
The award is part of Scottish Rugby’s 150th Anniversary celebrations and is a tribute to honour players who represented Scotland in matches that didn’t carry Test cap status at the time.
Jeremy received his cap for representing the Scotland XV in their match against France on 26 September 1987.
Scotland cap 1181, Jeremy Macklin (left) with 95-year-old Mum, Janet – who once played international hockey on the Murrayfield pitch! Credit: Scottish Rugby
Founder & Chief Ambassador of Power2Inspire, John Willis, said:
“This is a fantastic recognition of a truly remarkable man. Not only was he an elite player dedicated to getting to the top level, he has now, as Chair of Power2Inspire, demonstrably given back.
“He is just as passionate about enabling people of all abilities, especially disabled children, to join in the fun of sport through our PowerHouseGames. I am proud to call Jeremy my and Power2Inspire’s friend.”
Congratulations Jeremy for receiving this prestigious recognition! We take immense pride in having you as our Chair of Trustees!
If you’d like to support Jeremy in his mission to raise money for Power2Inspire he is running the Bidwell’s Oxford 10k on 12th May and would love a donation to help him round! Click the button here for more details.
The most recent retrospectively capped players with the current Scotland squad, ahead of a Guinness Men’s Six Nations match in February. Credit: Scottish Rugby
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. We are always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.
A joyful morning at the Festival of Inclusive Tennis
What a joyful morning! In the season of good tidings this was a wonderful celebration of happiness, joy and having fun as over 35 people of all ages, abilities, body shapes and sizes, came together to enjoy a morning of inclusive tennis.
Using all 8 (badminton) courts of the Cambridge University Sports Centre, beautifully set up by the helpful crew, we played varieties of tennis that were truly inclusive.
We had Mark in a wheelchair receiving his first ever specialist coaching from Gemma Stevenson, who competes on the ITF wheelchair tennis tour and can also be seen reporting on the tennis from the Grand Slams and Paralympics. There was Nicole from Koalaa Prosthetics, the maker of soft prosthetics that are comfortable and light to wear – she and I both wore the “Joannie”, a special prosthetic to aid the serve. There were three young volunteers from King’s Ely Juniors, ably supported by Andrew Marshall.
But above all there was Rob Ellis from the Cambridge Tennis Academy and his three young coaches. I love the way they get stuck in and help, encourage and adapt the play.
Rob was thrilled:
“I was very pleased; so many people came, and so many played for the whole two hours! Don’t forget we are very inclusive at CTA and welcome everyone, regardless of age or ability at our weekly sessions – do come along!”
Great friend and supporter of Power2Inspire, Steve Shaw, “Mr Disability Tennis” in Cambridge was delighted by the turnout and reminded everyone that there are lots of opportunities to follow up on this event. Please contact him on stevecshaw@btinternet.com if you would like more information.
A big thank you to CADMuS for allowing us to use their usual weekly session and for getting so involved, and to the LTA who helped fund the event.
I was particularly pleased to see two young Asian families joining in, following our mantra that our events are for everyone, not just for those with a disability. Seeing one of their youngest children – was he 4? – run past with a racket almost bigger than him and with the biggest of smiles, was one of my highlights from the morning!
Gemma did put me through my paces and was thrilled when Mark made me run, especially after I had thwacked one past her. No prisoners here! I had a ball.
But I will leave it to Nicole as her story captures the essence of the morning. Born without a right hand and very self-conscious of her appearance as a youngster, she found tennis particularly anxiety-inducing as she wasn’t able to do it “properly”. Those feelings of anxiety were triggered, entering the hall. But she loved it:
“The event is so welcoming. I felt I was in a safe space. It doesn’t matter here, how you look, and you realise quickly how there is no ‘proper’ way. All that is required is to get stuck in and have fun.”
Gemma Stevensen interviews John Willis, Chief Ambassador of Power2Inspire, with Nicole from Koalaa Prosthetics about the 2023 Festival of Inclusive Tennis.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. Would you like to host a SuperSensory1K at your local Fun Run or Park Run? Or would you like to volunteer at our next Festival of Inclusive Sport? Or could you give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.
If you’re inspired for Inclusive Sport then do join us at any of our next big events:
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John Willis wins PM's Points of Light Award
John Willis is back in the spotlight having been recognised by the Office of the Prime Minister as an outstanding individual volunteer – someone who is making a change in their community.
So today, Monday 4th December, the Prime Minister is recognising John with the daily Points of Light award as an inspirational volunteer.
Well done, John!
About Points of Light
First established by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, over 7,000 US daily Points of Light have been recognised through the USA programme. UK Points of Light was developed in partnership with the US programme and launched in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street in April 2014.
Since then, hundreds of people have been named Points of Light by the Prime Minister, highlighting an enormous array of innovative and inspirational volunteering across the length and breadth of Britain.
Find out more about Points of Light by clicking the image here:
John was born without fully formed arms and legs, and in 2013, joined with two friends to participate in a mixed ability team for a triathlon, raising £20,000 for charity, leading John to create ‘Power2Inspire’ focusing on inclusion through sport.
John’s mission through the charity is to make sport inclusive for everyone, while also helping to build confidence, resilience, and improve mental health. ‘Power2Inspire’ has reached over 70,000 people, and has hosted many inclusive golf, badminton, hockey, cycling and tennis events as well as an inclusive kilometre walk, the ‘SuperSensory1k’.
John has also taken his passion for sport to complete fundraising challenges, and this year, he completed a 108-mile kayaking challenge along the River Thames. His challenges have seen him raise over £100,000 to support the charity to run inclusive sports days.
John’s award follows the International Day of People with Disabilities on Sunday 3rd December.
John Willis, Chief Ambassador and Charity Founder, said:
“It’s an absolute honour and it’s wonderful that we can shine a light on inclusive sport to celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities. Our particular focus is encouraging people of all abilities, whether disabled or not, to play sports together and to ensure that ‘no one is left on the bench’.”
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
We are SO grateful for all the fundraising that is going on with the 108 Challenge. Your donations make a MASSIVE difference to people’s lives through Power2Inspire’s vision to ensure “no one is left on the bench!” THANK YOU!
If you’d like to donate NOW to the 108 Challenge click through to JustGiving by pressing the button here:
John Willis at the Pride of Britain Awards 2023
After winning Cambridge’s Fundraiser of the year, John Willis, attended the star-studded red-carpet London event to celebrate the Pride of Britain.
John rubbed shoulders with the stars as he attended the national Pride of Britain Awards evening to honour a whole host of wonderful, inspiring individuals.
John with Singer Fleur East
John with Footballer and Pundit Jermaine Jenas
John with Lioness Leah Williamson
John with Wheelchair Basketball Star Ade Adepitan
John with Strictly Star Aljaž Škorjanec
John with Footballers Jermain Defoe and Troy Deeney
John was recently surprised during his visit to Quilters Junior School, Essex by the ITV team and his family, where he was awarded with Regional Fundraiser of the Year, Pride of Britain Award. The award recognised John’s recent epic fundraiser – paddling 108 miles down the River Thames, across five counties, of which raised over £15,000 for our charity.
John Willis, Chief Ambassador and Charity Founder, said:
“It truly was an honour to share the room with so many amazing people doing wonderful things. To be named amongst some of the most inspiring people in Britain, and to have a spotlight shone on our charity is overwhelmingly brilliant.
My mission has always been to ensure that no one is left feeling how I was when I was a child. It’s so important that everyone has the chance to be active – and hopefully I’ve highlighted that anything is possible.
I had the honour of chatting so many different people from all walks of life. From A-list celebrities and sports-stars to young children who have done extraordinary things. It was amazing to be able to tell my story, but even more amazing to hear theirs.
Attending the Pride of Britain awards was an incredible experience. I’m so proud our charity has made a national stage. Thanks to ITV for making this possible.”
You can see the promotional film, including seeing the moment that John was surprised in front of Quilters Junior School students, and read about John on the ITV website, by clicking the image.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
We are SO grateful for all the fundraising that is going on with the 108 Challenge. Your donations make a MASSIVE difference to people’s lives through Power2Inspire’s vision to ensure “no one is left on the bench!” THANK YOU!
If you’d like to donate NOW to the 108 Challenge click through to JustGiving by pressing the button here:
Two weeks. Two new venues. Two amazing SuperSensory1Ks
This September the SuperSensory1K (SS1K) came to two new venues in Cambridge – Shelford and Fulbourn.
Charity Chief Executive Officer, Alex Laybourne, reflects on the events:
On Sunday 10th September, running alongside the Shelford Fun Run, the SS1K brought a fully inclusive 1km walk, run or wheel to the amazing village event.
With five sense stations along the way there was something for everyone, as over 60 participants braved the heat and navigated the course, which took in the wonderful surroundings of Shelford Recreational Ground.
The sense station included ‘hearing’, wich was run by AngliEar who’s offices back on to The Rec, as well as ‘smell’, ‘taste’, ‘touch’ and ‘sight’. All stations were run by an amazing group of local volunteers and managed by the amazing Maria Dias. All in all, it made for an amazing event full of smiles, joy and laughter, all in glorious sunshine. True inclusion and fun was showcased throughout the day – our mission in action!
Our thanks must go to Dr. Maria Dias for pulling everything together on the ground, including her amazing team of volunteers. Another huge thanks goes to Holly Barr and Vaila Morrison for having the vision and ambition to bring the SS1K to Shelford Fun Run – we hope to return next year!
On Saturday 23rd September we made our debut at our second venue – Fulbourn Hospital. This time 30 participants took advantage of the great weather and fantastic grounds at Fulbourn, finishing at the Edge Café for ‘station five’ – the ‘taste’ station! The other sense stations were run by Head To Toe Charity (‘touch’), How Are You (‘sight’), Cambridge Chidren’s Hospital (‘smell’) and an amazing group of volunteers (‘sound’).
Anna Todd and Sarah Allen, Cambridge Children’s Hospital, said:
“It was brilliant to be a part of the SuperSensory1k with Power2Inspire and Head2Toe charities. Having sensory stations to break up the course is a really clever idea, as it gives children and families a chance to pause, chat and engage with different activities.
“We ran the smell station for Cambridge Children’s Hospital project, and it was wonderful to see the joy – and disgust – on children’s faces as they sniffed all the different jam jars! Chocolate came out on top!”
A huge thanks must go to Anna Tuke for pulling it all together, alongside Hannah and her team at Head To Toe for funding and supporting the event. This is another one we hope to run again, with a huge sense of joy at the end having watched so many people enjoy the event.
Anna Tuke had this to say after her first SS1K experience:
“The Inclusive Sensory 1K provided the prefect opportunity for the five teams involved to consider what inclusiveness really means in practise. On the day it was great to see so many people and families taking part, having the opportunity to enjoy doing something together. It was also an ideal opportunity to bring together five of the teams working within CPFT all of whom are focused on improving health care and people’s wellbeing. None of this would have been possible without the support and guidance of the inspirational Power2Inspire team. We look forward to working with them again in the future.”
Founder and Chief Ambassador, John Willis, said:
“It is so exciting to see our SuperSensory Inclusive Kilometres gaining traction, as new venues embrace the concept. From humble beginnings in Histon we have now added three new venues, most recently Shelford and Fulbourn. As participants experience the joy, stallholders gain confidence in what they can showcase, and organisers see how an SS1K benefits their event, I am sure there will be greater and greater clamour to host these fun events around the country.”
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. Would you like to host a SuperSensory1K at your local Fun Run or Park Run? Or would you like to volunteer at our next event? Or could you give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.