2nd February 2010

A Support Worker from Tewkesbury is preparing to run her first ever London Marathon to help disabled young people fulfill their sporting dreams.

Nicki Hardwick, who works for Lifeways – a leading provider of specialist community care – says before she started training, her idea of exercising was climbing a flight of stairs!

However Nicki, who turns 40 this year, decided to take up the marathon challenge when she heard about a charity called Get Kids Going. The organisation gives disabled children and young people the chance to participate in sport by providing specially-built wheelchairs.  It also encourages them to compete in sports by giving them training and physiotherapy, as well as helping with travel.

“My aim is to raise £2,000 which will buy a complete sports’ wheelchair for a young person. I have already had great support not only from my work colleagues but also the gym where I train,” said Nicki, who works full-time as a Senior Support Worker at Woodbury View in Worcester, which supports adults with profound learning disabilities.  The service is part of the Lifeways Group, which is one of the country’s top providers of supported living for people with complex needs in their own home or a community setting.

Nicki added: “I have been working at Woodbury View for just a year.  It is the best decision I have ever made as it is such a rewarding job. Before then, I was a pub landlady for 20 years so I have always been good at listening and helping people. However working for Lifeways has made me take nothing for granted and has given me a new perspective which has really spurred me on to do the London Marathon. I am lucky enough to have two healthy children but now I understand the challenges faced by many individuals with a learning disability.”

Nicki trains at least five days a week at the Strings Squash and Fitness Club in Tewkesbury to reach peak fitness for the marathon which takes place on April 25. To sponsor Nicki please log on to www.justgiving.com/Nicki-Hardwick