Michael Beynon has achieved a Guinness World Records title by walking 100km in one week – inspiring 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.
along the way.
Michael Beynon, a 29-year-old marathon runner from Chirk, North Wales, who has
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.
has achieved a Guinness World Records title. Michael who is a ‘
Myth
A myth is an idea about something that is not true.
Buster’ for learning disability charity, Mencap, achieved the record for the furthest distance covered on foot in one week (II2 IS1) with an impressive 100.17km (62.86mi) in Llangollen, North Wales.
Michael kicked off his challenge by participating in the Cardiff Half Marathon. The challenge then took Michael to several towns and cities across Wales, including Stackpole, Aberystwyth, and Llangollen, running and walking between 5-10km each day. He battled through the cold weather and coped with a tight hamstring but successfully completed the 100km. He was joined by friends, supporters, and members of local Mencap groups who cheered him on along the way.
The record was achieved as part of the Guinness World Record’s impairments initiative, which was developed alongside Mencap. The initiative allows reasonable adjustments for people with a learning disability attempting Guinness World Records titles.
Michael is one of a group of Myth Busters- people with a learning disability who are committed to challenging misconceptions about what living with a learning disability looks like. The group also includes Harvey Price and CBeebies presenter George Webster. Michael has represented Team Special Olympics GB at the World Games and was the first person with Down Syndrome from Wales to complete the London Marathon — running the Virtual London Marathon in 2020 and the in-person event in 2021.
Mencap Myth Buster, Michael Beynon said:
“I’m so happy about achieving this Guinness World Records title! I hope this 100km challenge encourages others to get out and stay active. We went through some fantastic places in Wales, but the hardest part was Stackpole – it was so hilly and windy, but I still had so much fun. I’m already thinking about my next challenge, which will hopefully be stacking the tallest pile of Welsh cakes!”
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive at Mencap said:
“We are so proud of Michael for achieving this incredible Guinness World Records title! Not only is this a personal achievement, but it is also encouragement for people to stay active while challenging myths and preconceptions about what it means to live life with a learning disability.”
“It is great to see more people with a learning disability able to attempt world records through this inclusive initiative by Guinness World Records, and we are excited to see even more take on these challenges in the future."
-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
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
.
, please contact Mencap’s media team on: media@mencap.org.uk or 02076965414 (including out of hours).
Notes to editors:
Photo credit: Llyr Hughes
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
A campaign is when people work together to try to change something.
with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. We work to change laws, increase representation and campaign for better health,
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
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.
About Guinness World Records
What’s the fastest game bird in Europe? This was the question that inspired the founding of Guinness World Records back in 1955. Starting with a single book published from a room above a gym, GWR has grown to become a global multi-media brand, with offices in London, New York, Miami, Beijing, Tokyo and Dubai. Today, we deliver world-class content, not just through Books, but via TV shows, Social Media and Live Events. Our in-house consultancy works closely with brands and businesses around the world to harness the power of record-breaking and deliver award-winning campaigns and business solutions. Our ultimate purpose is to inspire people - individuals, families, schools, groups, companies, communities and even entire countries – to read about, watch, listen to and participate in record-breaking. To join this record-breaking
community
A community is the people and places in an area.
– and find out the answer to that original question – visit guinnessworldrecords.com.