A PAIR of caped crusaders will be tackling the Evesham Vale 10K as part of their bid to raise £30,000 for a Worcester children’s home.
Callum Davies and James Underwood will take part in a series of fun runs, half marathons and full marathons dressed as Batman and Robin in a bid to supply a sensory garden for Green Hill Lodge, which cares for children with autism.
The keen runners have already completed the Malvern half marathon in their childhood costumes, and are set to take on the
Worcester City 10k, Run Bike Run, Evesham Vale 10k, the Birmingham half marathon and the Robin Hood half marathon in
Nottingham.
Callum, who works as a marketing co-ordinator, told The Observer the idea came about when carers from the lodge visited the Rotary Club of Worcester South, something he used to be part of, looking for support to build the garden.
“When I was there late last year, two of the carers came along to present to the club about the project and the support they were looking for,” the 24-year-old said.
“Quite a few people were excited about the idea and I really wanted to help out with it. My then girlfriend at the time had a nephew with autism and I really admired him.
“I felt I really wanted to support other people like him and when that opportunity arose I was all over it.”
A sensory garden can help calm or stimulate the senses of children who suffer with autism and help the young person’s
senses to regulate.
Callum, who runs as Batman, said the idea to take part in running events was dreamed up about six weeks ago and fund-raising is already well into the hundreds of pounds.
“It’s been a fun experience,” he added. “It’s quite humbling supporting these children.
“Batman and Robin is a childhood thing and I think it’s fitting that we’re doing it for children. I don’t think there’s a better cause I can think of.
“I think if you’re in a position to help other people then you should.
“I’m not saying these children can’t help themselves but life’s tough enough as it is without having something like autism so let’s give them a hand.”
Emma Lyall, a team manager at Green Hill Lodge, said: “We’re blown over by the efforts that the young men are going to, in order to raise the money for our sensory garden.
“Callum and James recently visited the home as Batman and Robin, and one of the children said it was the best day of his life.
“Our children all have such differing needs and it would be wonderful to be able to make similar impact on their day-to-day lives with a sensor garden.”
To sponsor Callum and James visit www.justgiving.com/sponsorbatmanandrobin or text “BATM90” followed by “£1, £2, £5, or £10” to 70070.
