Back Beckie to chase her sporting dream

Using the Strawberry Line in North Somerset, Beckie will one mile per day for five consecutive days, with four of her wheelchair rugby teammates replicating her challenge to show their support.

A £1,000 towards the cost has already been committed by long-standing Community Foundation partner, The Ciao Foundation – and Beckie is out to raise the remainder of the cost, with an entry level chair starting at approximately £3,000.

To show your support and donate to Beckie’s cause, click here.

21-years-old. Four wheels. One challenge - Beckie’s story

Beckie turned 21 at the height of lockdown restrictions and has been a wheelchair user since the age of 17, when complex mental health difficulties led to a series of unfortunate events that left Beckie with significant life-long physical disabilities. This, however, has not stopped Beckie finding her dream, but rather lit a fire beneath her.

"Wheelchair rugby is my passion,” Beckie explained. “It has given me something that I look forward to every week. Additionally, it has given me confidence in myself and it has allowed me to build friendships with teammates which I have always struggled with previously.”

Introduced to the sport by Bristol Bears Community Foundation little over nine months ago, Beckie has gone from strength to strength in this time. Not only has Beckie represented Bristol Bears Wheelchair Rugby at multiple regional events, she has also mentored and developed a group of hungry and aspirational 15-19-year-old disabled sportspeople, as part of the wheelchair sport youth programme.

Having her own measured playing chair will allow Beckie to grow significantly within the sport, and not only develop her game skills but continue to grow her confidence and drive as a young disabled woman.

The challenge

Working towards this challenge in lockdown, Beckie will now attempt to wheel one mile per day for five consecutive days on the Strawberry Line’s gravel path in Yatton.

In support of Beckie, four of her wheelchair rugby teammates are replicating the feat to support Beckie as she fundraises for her own sporting future.

With an entry level chair for the sport starting at approximately £3,000, there is a huge expectation on individuals who wish to progress in this life-changing sport. With £1000 towards the cost of the chair already committed by long-standing Bristol Bears Community Foundation partner, The Ciao Foundation, Beckie is out to raise the remainder of the cost.

"I have set myself this challenge to raise additional costs for my own rugby wheelchair,” she said.

“I really have had to put a lot of training in, and it has taken a lot to prepare both physically and mentally. Wheelchair rugby really gives me something to look forward to.

“For the first time in my life I now forward to the future and to the new opportunities ahead."

To show your support and donate to Beckie’s cause, click here.

For more information on wheelchair rugby or getting involved with developing Beckie’s journey Spectrum Programme Manager, Kris Tavender.