Exmouth resident Hugh Allum-Pearce, 23, conquered the London Marathon in support of the National Deaf Children’s Society on Sunday 23 April.
Hugh, who was also accompanied on the race by his sister Alex, finished the marathon distance of 26.2 miles in a time of five hours, 32 minutes.
He hopes to raise £5,000 for the charity, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families.
Hugh lives with deafness and hemiplegia. He chose to run for the National Deaf Children’s Society because, in his words: “I want to use my passion for running to help deaf children like me and their families. I hope that I can be a role model for other deaf young people and show them that they achieve anything.”
Hugh is a student at Exmouth Deaf Academy and hopes to be a sports teacher there one day or help coach sport.
He said:
“I just kept running all the time like I did it training. I was looking forward to getting a hug from my family at the end of the race and excited to get a medal. Afterwards I felt happy and relaxed – and very tired!
“When I was running my parents met me and my sister and gave me some energy gels and I gave them a big hug. But I only have one implant so I can’t always hear where the sound is coming from so my mum shouted a lot and other people told me she was there and then she ran to catch up with me and then I gave her a big hug.
“I supported the National Deaf Children’s Society because I’m deaf and I want to help deaf children succeed. I’ve already raised twice my target thanks to the generosity of family and friends.”
Melissa Jones, of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s fundraising team, added:
“I want to say a massive congratulations to Hugh for taking on and conquering the London Marathon for us. We’re so proud of him.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of selfless fundraisers like Hugh will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”
For more information, please contact the National Deaf Children’s Society media team by calling 020 7014 1100 or emailing colin.brook@ndcs.org.uk
