A WREXHAM runner is raising crucial funds and awareness for a charity close to his heart despite personal battles.

16-years-ago, doctors told Michael Beynon’s mum he would spend most of his adult life in a wheelchair. 

But with support, continuous training and determination he is planning to take on the formidable challenge of running 100km in just one week in a bid to raise £10,000 for the charity Mencap.

Michael BeynonMichael Beynon (Image: JustGiving)

Michael, now 29, was born with Downs Syndrome, visually impaired and mild right-sided Cerebral Palsy.

A resident of Chirk, he is a regular runner and volunteer with the Old Railway Trail parkrun in Llangollen.

Next month Michael aims to take on the mammoth challenge of running or walking 100km in one week around Wales, starting on Sunday October 6 and finishing the following Sunday, October 13. You can see the JustGiving page here.

His plan is to raise £10,000 for Mencap by:

  • Running the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 6

  • Running/walking 60km around Wales including walking 5km events with local Mencap Clubs, walking groups and Rotarians, taking in the Llanelli Millenium Coastal Path, the Botanical Gardens of Wales, Stackpole Gardens, Aberystwyth parkrun course, Llanfyllin and Llangefni parkrun course and Llangollen parkrun course.

  • Finishing off at the Manchester Half on October 13. 

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Michael said: “Every year I take on a challenge for charity. This year I decided to raise money for Mencap, as I am a Mencap Myth Buster and because I received amazing support from Mencap last year after a very difficult episode in my life after experiencing racial bullying.

“I wanted to do a challenge that will push me out of my comfort zone and to share my love for walking/running in nature with my Mencap, parkrun, Rotary and friends throughout Wales.

“Mencap works to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities, live happy and healthy lives through campaigning for our rights, providing support and services.”