It’s been 10 years since John first contracted Japanese Encephalitis while travelling in Laos and Thailand. For those unfamiliar with his story, this is a mosquito-borne virus that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis primarily through the spinal cord, similar to polio.

After being a keen footballer and sportsman John was left largely paralysed, but thanks to the incredible support from friends, family, and multiple fundraising efforts from his school and university pals, he’s been able to lead an active and fulfilling life at his adapted home. He regularly attends therapies, enjoys outings to football matches, the cinema, and other social events, and stays closely connected with loved ones.

A key factor in maintaining this independence is his wheelchair-accessible van (WAV), which allows him to attend events, go on holidays, and return to his beloved Old Trafford. Unfortunately, his current van due to its age and mileage is no longer fit for purpose, and losing it would be devastating, leaving John confined to his home.

John receives benefit support including PIP, along with help from his mum and dad. However, most of this funding goes toward essential private physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and the upkeep of his equipment. This means that larger purchases like replacing his wheelchair-accessible van would require prioritising over these crucial therapies. He therefore has no funds of any kind for the capital cost of a WAV adapted vehicle.

That’s why we’re hoping to raise funds for a replacement WAV van. Doing so would help ensure John can continue enjoying the daily travel freedom and independence he’s had over the past 10 years for many more years to come.

There have been a lot of fundraising activities over the years from more of johns sporty friends, but as often picked last for the football team it’s time for Sam and Mikey to step up.

Until this past year when he completed a half marathon Sam hadn’t ran in 5 years, so it’s going to be a huge effort to be able to complete the full marathon. Sam and John have been friends since school and John will be really enjoying the thought of Sam going through the grueling training required to complete the 26.2 miles.

Mikey's background of playing rugby and 19 stone frame doesn’t make him your typical marathon runner so this is going to be a tough day out for both. Sam and Mikey will be running the Manchester marathon on the 19th of April 2026 to raise funds towards John’s new WAV.

Any contributions towards John’s fundraiser will be very gratefully received and every penny will go towards the van costs.