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A family from Wetley Rocks, near Stoke-on-Trent, have practised a painful charity Lego Walk live on local radio to encourage listeners to join them on the ‘Virtual’ event, which takes place on Saturday 20th June, 2020.
Jason and Amy Bould, together with their son’s George, 14, and six-year-old Henry, have registered for the challenge to raise vital funds for Caudwell Children, the Staffordshire based charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.
In a bid to boost registrations ahead of the event the family agreed to practice the Lego Walk live on Sophie Calvert’s, BBC Radio Stoke Breakfast Show on Saturday 30th May.
Listeners to the show had to endure the harrowing cries of George, as he made his way, barefoot, over a two-metre brick pit, whilst Jason described his sons sickening ordeal live on air.
George, a pupil at Moorside High School, in Werrington, says that he will still complete the challenge despite his painful introduction to the walk. As he explained: “It wasn’t brilliant if I’m being honest and the pain got to me a little bit. But it’s nothing I can’t handle so I’ll definitely be back for more.”
Jason told Ms Calvert that the family has an emotional attachment to the charity and they would do anything, including walking over Lego bricks, to support it. He said: “We’ve been a beneficiary of the charity in the past so we know how important it is to raise funds for Caudwell Children now.
“Children go through the illness but the parents also suffer and they’re under so much pressure, so being given a wheelchair, having access to a short break, or anything that can help a family is really important and that’s why we want as many people as possible to join us on the Virtual Lego Walk.”
Mark Bushell, from Caudwell Children, believes that a series of online training videos will help participants to overcome the challenge safely. “We’re working with UK Firewalks, who are experts in creating mind over matter experiences where people use their willpower to overcome physical obstacles,” he explained. “They have a number of pre-recorded videos that show participants a variety of walking techniques that will ensure that their fearless feet can handle the challenge.
“They will give participants all the guidelines and advice that they need to complete the walk with their toes and the soles of their feet intact.”
The charity is also hoping to show the event live on its website, as well as posting videos on a private Facebook group, so that participants can share their experience with others.
Amy, was amazed by the ease in which Henry completed the walk. She said: “He was really focused and went straight over the Lego bricks without a problem.
“I think we may have a potential challenger for the Lego Walk distance world record in a few years.
“If little Henry can do it anyone can!”
Businesses are also being encouraged to use the challenge as a team building exercise at a time when many employees are still unable to return to their place of work.
“As long as you have a decent amount of Lego you’ll be able to give it a le-go,” concluded Mark. “It’s just £5 to register and we’re asking people to set themselves a minimum sponsorship target of £25.”
To register call Kate McMahon on 01782 433754 or email kate.mcmahon@caudwellchildren.com
You can also find out more and register online here.