Michael Beynon, a 29-year-old marathon runner with
Down syndrome
Down syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome, is a type of disability. People with Down syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. They may have more problems with their health too.
from Chirk, North Wales, is running 100km over one week to raise £10,000 for Mencap, a charity which supports the 1.5 million people with a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
in the UK and their families.
The challenge will start on Sunday 6 October with Michael taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon and end on Sunday 13 October as he completes the Manchester Half Marathon. In between the two half marathons, Michael will travel to up to 13 local Mencap groups across Wales and run or walk between 5-10km with each of them.
Every penny raised by Michael will go towards funding Mencap’s life-changing work to help people with a learning disability lead happy and healthy lives. On top of raising money, Michael is running to raise awareness for local Mencap groups and to encourage people with a learning disability to get moving.
Michael is a Mencap
Myth
A myth is an idea about something that is not true.
Buster – one of a group of people who are living life with a learning and
physical disability
A physical disability is to do with your body. You might find it hard to do some things like walk or lift things.
and campaigning for change. He has represented Team Special Olympics GB at the World Games and was the first person with Down syndrome from Wales to run the London Marathon. Michael took on both the Virtual London Marathon in 2020, and the in-person London Marathon in 2021, and raised just under £5,000 to support people with a learning disability across the UK.
Michael said: “I'm so excited to raise money for Mencap by doing something different and to get other people with a learning disability moving — whether it's walking, being in nature, or just staying active. I've been training every day to build up my stamina, and I can't wait to take on this challenge!"
Mary O’Hagan, Interim Executive Fundraising Director at Mencap said: “We are inspired by Michael's dedication in taking on this remarkable 100km challenge. His commitment not only raises awareness but also ensures that people with a learning disability in the UK can lead happy and healthy lives. The funds Michael raises will directly support Mencap’s work, including our efforts to campaign for the
rights
Rights are the things everyone should be allowed to do like have a say, or go to school.
of people with a learning disability. We are cheering him on every step of the way and wish him the best of luck!”
To find out more about Michael’s 100km challenge or to donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/michael-100km-challenge-1721904629677
-ENDS-
For further information or to arrange an
interview
An interview is a meeting where you talk to someone or a group of people about something. When you have an interview for a job, you have to answer questions and say why you would be good at the job. The person who gives the best answers is offered the job.
with a Mencap
spokesperson
A spokesperson is someone who speaks up about something. They usually speak up on behalf of a group or
organisation
An organisation are a group of people who work together.
.
or
case study
A case study is a piece of writing that tells people more information about someone's experience.
, please contact Mencap’s media team on: media@mencap.org.uk or 02076965414 (including out of hours).
Notes to editors:
About Mencap:
Mencap exists to ensure the UK is the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We support people directly and campaign with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. We work to change laws, increase representation and campaign for better health, social care and
employment
Employment means having a job.
opportunities for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability which affects someone for their whole life. Typically, people with a learning disability need more time to learn and process information. They may need extra support to develop skills, complete tasks and interact with others, or they may have more complex needs requiring round-the clock care. The level of support needed is different for everyone and may change during a person’s lifetime.
Learning disability is NOT a mental illness or a learning difficulty. Often, the term ‘learning difficulty’ is wrongly used in place of ‘learning disability’. Having a learning difficulty (such as ADHD or
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
) may mean a person learns at a different pace or in a different way BUT – unlike a learning disability - it does not affect a person’s intellect.
With the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead happy, healthy, independent lives. At Mencap, it’s our mission to remove societal barriers and shatter misconceptions to make this more possible for more people.
Mencap’s guide to reporting on Learning Disability
When it comes to creating content with people with a learning disability, we know many people feel nervous about saying and doing the wrong thing. Our guide for journalists, covers everything from up to date facts and figures to the right language to use. It also includes tips on how to work with people with a learning disability to gather the best content.