Our Deaf Student Care Worker Tony, has challenged students to test their grit determination and physical endurance by training them for the Escot Mud Run, held at Escot Park near Honiton, on Saturday 25 March.
Tony with a team of students have entered the Escot Mud Run to raise money for the Academy’s New Build. In 2019, the Deaf Academy is relocating from its current site on Topsham Road in Exeter to a new purpose built Academy on the former Rolle College campus in Exmouth. It will be designed around the needs and abilities of Deaf young people, incorporating space in the heart of the community to bring Deaf and hearing people together. Tony said,
“We are looking forward to the Escot Mud Run and all its obstacles. Our Deafness is certainly not a barrier though. I want to show Deaf young people that they can overcome any obstacle, any barrier, any challenge”.
Budding Deaf rugby star William Thomas, 18, is a College student at Exeter Deaf Academy and among those joining Tony’s team in the run. William said,
“It’s good for Deaf young people to get involved in challenges like the Escot Mud Run, as we need to show that we can break down any barriers and break out of our comfort zone to try new things! I want to build up my fitness and be a good role model for other Deaf young people in the UK.”
William plays rugby for his home team in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, Wales, alongside his hearing peers. He has also trained with Exeter Chiefs, Exeter Saracens, Wales Deaf Rugby and England Deaf Rugby.
Deaf student Luka, also an 18-year-old College student at Exeter Deaf Academy is mucking into help. Luka said that he is not worried about becoming “tired, wet and muddy” in the Escot Mud Run and is looking forward to facing any obstacle in his way. Luka has already raised a third of his £150 sponsorship target. Luka said,
“I am a profoundly Deaf 18 year old and I love my time spent at school and college. I want to raise as much money for Exeter Deaf Academy as possible to give something back.”
Tony enjoys weekly fitness training with South West Military Fitness, organisers of the Escot Mud Run. Tony said,
“I joined Honiton Running Club 11 years ago and really enjoyed it. This spurred me on to join a local cycling group and I have been committed to exercise and fitness ever since. I completed the Rock Solid Race last year with a team of 10 Deaf people. I have also taken part in the ‘Tough Guy’ challenge with a group of Deaf team-mates”.
Tony continued,
“I will be sharing my experience of these types of events with our Deaf students. I tell our students that conditions could be difficult but they just need to dig in – swimming through mud works best! It also helps that we will be doing this run as a team, so we will be able to pull each other through to the finish.”
Tony’s partner, Nikki James, a British Sign Language (BSL) Tutor at Exeter Academy will be cheering him on along with her sons aged 17 and 12. Nikki is also passionate about The Deaf Academy and took part in a 15,000ft skydive last year to raise money for us.
South West Military Fitness and Escot Mud Run organiser Peter Hardy said:
“I’m really impressed with the way that Exeter Deaf Academy have really got behind this event. The Escot Mud Run is open to people of all abilities and the Academy’s involvement goes to show that being Deaf is not a limit to achievement.”
Exeter Deaf Academy Deputy Head Geoff Davey, agreed,
“Tony and our students are a great example of how Exeter Deaf Academy gets involved in wider events and contributes to the community. Opportunities like this help promote health, well-being and inspires other Deaf students to push themselves. It is important our students are good role models to their peers.”
To sponsor the Exeter Deaf Academy’s team in the Escot Mud Run, click here or contact the fundraising team on 01392 267019.
Whether you are Deaf or hearing, Exeter Deaf Academy also welcomes others to join their team in the Escot Mud Run. You need to be aged over 16 years. Free places are up for grabs in the 5k or 10k distance. To join the Exeter Deaf Academy’s charity team click here.
We are also looking for volunteer marshals. To volunteer, email us fundraising@exeterdeafacademy.ac.uk or phone the fundraising team on 01392 267019.