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On a recent visit to East Cheshire Harriers it was clear that they were thriving in disability athletics. Recent member, Darren Stafford (pictured holding the cheque), has been competing in the F42, leg amputee class, across the country in the Shot and Discus.

Darren competed in the Cheshire and Greater Manchester County Championships. Although these championships were not inclusive Darren still took part, throwing implements that were over the weight he throws for his class. He came second in both the Shot and Discus which is fantastic considering the difference in weight.

Other members who have recently done well are Jade Mullins and Danielle Bradshaw. Jade (also pictured) recently competed in the Olympic Stadium in a test event – a once in a lifetime opportunity which meant she could compete on the track before the Paralympians themselves.

In the past year P2P athlete Danielle Bradshaw has made colossal improvements in her training sessions with John Dunne at East Cheshire Harriers. So much so that she has won three gold medals at the recent disability sporting event at Sportcity, Manchester. She also won her first ever school sports day which she never thought she’d compete in. Danielle  was born with a congenital dislocation of both hips and her right knee. She made the decision to amputate her right leg so she could have the chance to run. Since then, running is all she has been doing.

East Cheshire Harriers have established themselves as a ‘thriving club open to all’ and with this in mind they were chosen as one of the focus clubs to receive Department for Education funding. After many emails and conversations with the coaches at the club it was decided that the funding from Greater Sport would be well spent on equipment to help disabled athletes train for their events. Greater Sport’s Development Manager, Matt Stocks (also pictured), was on hand to present the club with the equipment.  Darren was the first to use the equipment on the very same night.  Jade’s coach Colette Donald was thrilled with the equipment as it means Jade can now train harder throughout the winter months.

You can read more about Disability Athletics in the North of England in the latest newsletter News From The North.

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