Edel Harris OBE, Chief Executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, is swimming the length of the London Marathon – 26.2 miles – to raise vital funds for people with a learning disability. The swim, which has been taking place throughout October, everywhere from London to Belfast, is part of Mencap’s ‘Superhero Challenge’, a nationwide series of ‘super’ fundraising events to support the 1.5 million people in the UK living with a learning disability.
When we think of superheroes, we think of a range of characters with superhuman powers but not all superheroes need to fly or have X-ray vision to change lives. Some superheroes can change the world by supporting someone in need, and this includes Mencap’s amazing support workers, helpline volunteers and fearless campaigners.
Edel, who became Chief Executive of Mencap in January 2020, will be swimming 26.2 miles – many of them in the open air – throughout the month of October, after being challenged by Mencap ambassador and marathon runner Aaron Plummer, 22. Aaron, who has a learning disability and cerebral palsy, has completed the London Marathon three times for Mencap, and will join Edel for her final mile at Crouch End Lido, in London, on Sunday 30th October 2022.
Edel Harris OBE, Chief Executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, says: “When I was challenged by Aaron, I knew I had to do my bit especially now that Aaron has run three marathons for Mencap!
“As a charity, fundraising has never been more important to us. The cost-of-living crisis is going to affect almost everyone, but we know that people with a learning disability, their families and their carers will really struggle. Currently, more people than ever are missing out on the care they need and Mencap’s services offer vital support to the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.
“I’d like to thank our brilliant ambassador Aaron for inspiring me to take on this super swim!”
Aaron Plummer says: “I’m so happy that Edel is finally doing this challenge and I’m looking forward to joining her. I can’t wait to swim the final mile with her and raise money for Mencap, a charity which has supported me and helped me so much over the years.”
Every penny raised from Edel’s ‘Superhero Swim’ will go towards funding Mencap’s life-changing work to support the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK to lead happy and healthy lives.
To support Edel’s fundraising ambitions, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Edel-Harris3.
To join in the Superhero fun and take on your own challenge, please visit: www.mencap.org.uk/event/superhero-challenge-2022 or email community.fundraising@mencap.org.uk for more information.
