On a mission to raise funds for children with additional needs and disabilities, a West Yorkshire-based avid fundraiser is embarking on not one – but two – impressive challenges this summer.
Less than a week after his 50th birthday, Chris Reay, who works as ICT Manager at Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, is participating in the Great North Run, then climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks (aiming to complete it in less than 12 hours) just days later.
“To celebrate my 50th birthday this year, I pledged to embark on a series of events to push me to my limits. Planning to complete 700 runs before September, I’ve achieved 684 so far, and earlier this year during a trip to Krakow, Poland, I participated in my 276th official Parkrun (and my first abroad). And, certainly no stranger to the Great North Run, I’ve booked my eighth event for September this year.
“But, when my good friend and colleague at Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, Jonathan Senior, experienced first-hand the wonderful work at Little Hiccups, I knew that I wanted to do my bit. So, I arranged to add in the Yorkshire Three Peaks just eleven days after the Great North Run to raise vital funds for this great charity.
“Jonathan and his partner, Lucy, are my inspiration. I’m doing this for them, and their lovely eight-year-old daughter, Primrose.”
Chris

“Due to left-sided brain damage acquired at birth, we received the devastating diagnosis that Primrose might never walk or talk – we were completely numb. Luckily, however, we came across Little Hiccups who welcomed us with open arms. They gave us a safe space to talk, allowed us to meet other families in similar situations, and supported us throughout the most difficult times in our lives.
“Thanks to Little Hiccups, Primrose has had access to hydrotherapy with a physio, which has increased her muscle range, and they’ve gifted us a wealth of knowledge through their inclusive (and free) courses to ensure we’re confident to meet her needs at home.
“We’re so proud to be part of the Little Hiccups family, and are truly grateful for all they’ve done – and continue to do – for us and our courageous daughter. And, we’re so appreciative to Chris, who’s raising valuable funds for the charity, to help us give back to those that have changed everything for us.”
Jonathan
Little Hiccups is a Leeds-based award-winning support group, established by parents who have children with additional needs and disabilities to support families experiencing similar diagnoses.
Since 2016, Chris has participated in many charity events, and has raised over £12,000 for NSPCC, Children in Need, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Cancer Research UK.
While fundraising is his core motivation, he’s also spurred on by his own personal challenges too:
“I started running back in 2016, following a health scare,” Chris continued. “It was suspected to be throat cancer – something a family member had also died of – and so I took to running as an escape, not wanting to burden my friends and family. I was diagnosed with a different, but non-life-threatening, condition but running became an essential part of my life.”
Chris is participating in the Great North Run on 8th September 2024, and embarking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks on 19th September 2024. For more information, or to donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-reay-1716215543086.