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.
John Willis wins prestigious Pride of Britain Award
John Willis, Charity Founder and Chief Ambassador, is celebrating after winning the ITV Regional Fundraiser Pride of Britain Award
John Willis, Charity Founder and Chief Ambassador, was left in ‘complete shock’ but ‘over the moon’ when the ITV team and close friends and supporters of the charity surprised him during his assembly at Quilters Primary School, Essex.
Whilst helping to run the school’s Paralympic Week with inspiring and inclusive games to involve all students, John was presented with a Pride of Britain after winning the ITV Regional Fundraiser Award.
John Willis, founder of Power2Inspire, set up the inclusion charity following a triathlon relay in 2013. Born without fully formed arms and legs, and frustrated after being excluded from sports and opportunities as a child, John made it his mission to ensure no one is left on the bench like he was.
“It’s absolutely incredible to be recognised for all the work the charity has done over the past ten years. When I was young, my mother used to tell me I can do anything. I’ve adapted this in later life, and my mantra now is ‘I can’t do it… YET’.
I think it’s really important for our younger generation to know that regardless of their ability or disability, there are ways everyone can be included in sports and no one should be left on the bench like I was.
Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers, trustees, schools and everyone who has supported us over the years. The work we do would not be possible without you.
There are so many wonderful individuals recognised by the Pride of Britain, and its wonderful to be amongst them.
Power2Inspire is the reason I get out of bed in the morning, it means the world to me that the charity is being spotlighted.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador
“I am beyond thrilled that John has won such a prestigious award. John is an inspiration to us all, and working with him and watching his hard work and dedication over the years has been an honour.
John serves as a reminder that anything is possible, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Alex Laybourne, Chief, Executive Officer
You can see the promotional film, 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:
Recordbreaking summer of events for Power2Inspire
From Worcester to Durham – Power2Inspire are celebrating after travelling the country to deliver a record number of fantastic PowerHouseGames and Games2Inspire sessions this summer.
We kicked off our busy summer schedule of events with a trip up north to deliver an incredible PowerHouseGames session with volunteers from Durham University and a group of excellent local schools, all of whom commented on what a fantastic afternoon they had.
Shortly after, we had the honour of being joined by a whole host of fantastic able-bodied and Paralympic sports stars as we headed to Bisham Abbey to deliver a PowerHouseGames in partnership with VISA. For the second year running, we teamed-up with employees from VISA who helped us to deliver inclusive and adapted sports games for several local primary schools. NFL legend Lorn Mayers and GB Olympian Nick Middleton were just a couple of the stars who joined us for the fun.
It was a pleasure to deliver another PowerHouseGames in partnership with Leicester Tigers Foundation at the prestigious Matioli Woods Welford Road Stadium. Again, for the second year running, we brought together Leicester Tigers rugby players with inspiring sports personalities to compete in inclusive sports, including touch rugby, walking football and goalball.
Not only have we delivered a summer of incredible PowerHouseGames, we’ve also hosted a record-breaking number of Games2Inspire. Inspiring over 2,000 children across the country to immerse themselves in the world of inclusive and adapted sports, encouraging teamwork, determination and our number one rule, to have fun!
We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our schools, organisations, sponsors and volunteers who have joined forces with our charity this summer, to truly make a difference to the lives of the local community.
Our PowerHouseGames and Games2Inspire sessions are designed to encourage everyone to feel empowered to enjoy sports, leaving no one on the bench.
Without your enthusiasm and support, we wouldn’t be able to influence a record-breaking number of people.
“Wow! What a summer it has been. It has been an absolute pleasure to travel across the country providing inclusive and accessible sports opportunities for local communities and young people.
We were back-to-back with some weeks having Games2Inspire sessions every single day – tiring to say the least, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
We’ve been inundated with positive messages, wishes and comments about the impact our events have had on people and children – and inspired so many to have the confidence to play sport.
As we always say – it doesn’t matter your age, gender, ability, disability, faith – sport is for all, and no one should be left on the bench.
I then finished the summer with a quick 108-mile trip in a kayak up the Thames – and now I’m ready to get into the swing of our Autumn events!
Thanks to everyone who continues to make this possible – it is so appreciated.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador
“It’s amazing to see the impact our events have on those who involve themselves. We’re often hearing wonderful comments about the work we do, not only with young people – but how our events have hugely positive impacts on businesses and organisations.
Our volunteering opportunities encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and take part in valuable experiences – building on teamwork and organisation skills.
We’re also looking to partner with new organisations – if you think you could benefit from this, get in touch!”
Alex Laybourne, Chief, Executive Officer
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you are interested in hosting a Games2Inspire in your school / college / company / community group or being involved in one of our flagship PowerHouseGames events then we would love to hear from you.
We are also always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer individually at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. There are SO MANY WAYS we can all help to ensure “no on else is left on the bench!” Click the button here to find out more.
108 Challenge - Thank you!
Our 108 Challenge fundraising campaign is well under way, with our Founder and Chief Ambassador, John Willis, having recently completing his own 108 Challenge. John, born without fully formed arms and legs, paddled 108 miles down the River Thames, from Cricklade to Eton, helping raise vital funds needed to ensure our charity can continue to provide and deliver inclusive sports opportunities for all.
We’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of our fundraising campaign so far and helped to make the 108 Challenge possible. Without the support from so many fantastic organisations, volunteers and fundraisers, the work we do would not be achievable.
Firstly, a huge thank you goes out to all of our wonderful volunteers who joined John on his epic paddling journey. From World Champion rowers, to complete novices – your support, company and strength helped John both physically, and emotionally and ensured he made it to the end in high spirits. The encouragement John and the charity received from the community, passers-by and supporters of the charity was immeasurable.
Ashley Penn, PEM, joined John for a section of his journey. He said:
“I used a volunteering day to take part in the charity’s 108 Challenge – and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. It truly was an honour to join John on his journey, and I’m grateful to PEM for giving me the opportunity to do so. The charity does a wonderful job of providing sports opportunities, and your donations will help to ensure they can continue.”
Thank you to Ashley for volunteering, and to PEM for generously sponsoring the challenge, helping to make it possible.
Thank you!
We are hugely grateful to our partner organisations who have made this amazing endeavour possible.
We’d also link to thank Green Haus Renewables and Construction and Function Jigsaw for their generous donations, sponsoring the challenge and for also taking to the kayak to help John on his route! You were amazing.
It would be impossible to name every single person, group and organisation who has helped to make this challenge the success it has been – but we’re so incredibly grateful. From our volunteers, trustees and sponsors to the various canoe clubs, canoeing organisations and lock keepers across the route – we couldn’t have done it without you!
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: