The Wheelie Big Push: Andy’s Marathon Mission of Gratitude and Grit

About the Town Journalist, Andy, has always shown a fierce determination not to let his disability get the better of him, and ever since birth has exceeded the expectations of medical experts, tutors, friends and family, although those closest to him have always known what he is capable of.

Andy has achieved a lot in his life, from being the first Everton FC mascot with a disability, to gaining a degree in Journalism, to travelling solo around Australia, just to name a few.

But life hasn’t always been easy. Andy once struggled with his mental and physical wellbeing, weighing over 20 stone and feeling lost. That began to change in 2022, after a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. Determined to take back control, he contacted a personal trainer and joined GymWorks. Since then, Andy has lost over half his body weight – now at 11st11lbs – and completely transformed his outlook.

Using his fitness journey to inspire others, Andy has raised nearly £3,000 for About the Town through two intense Ski/Row challenges. On completing his 40,000-metre challenge, he set his sights on a new goal: a full marathon.

On Sunday, 5th October, using sheer arm power, self-propelling his manual wheelchair, Andy will take on the Chester Marathon – 26.2 miles of determination, raising funds for About the Town, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH). These causes are deeply personal: Alder Hey cared for Andy throughout his childhood, and LHCH treated three of his family members, all now recovering well.

Andy joined About the Town in 2022 after connecting with founder Bev Roberts through Social Prescribing. He found purpose and belonging and credits the opportunity with helping him rebuild his confidence.

You can support Andy by sharing his story, spreading the word, or by making a donation to help him push through his biggest challenge yet – www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the-wheelie-big-push