By Jamie White – Head of Communications
A team member from Douglas Stafford is preparing to take part in the Great South Run later this month.
David Williamson is a Project Administrator at the mystery shopping and performance improvement company, and will be competing in his third Great South Run.
However, the challenge is slightly different for David. He was born with no tibia bones and had his legs amputated when he was less than a year old. David has prosthetic legs, but will taking part in the event in his wheelchair.
David is raising money for a young girl called Willow, who is the niece of a former colleague and friend of David’s.
“Willow was born prematurely, and shortly after she was born she suffered a brain haemorrhage which has made her life extremely difficult. She requires a lot of care and needs special equipment to help her live her life.
“All the money I raise is going to the Tree of Hope charity, which helps and supports Willow. The charity offers hope to the families of sick and disabled children in the UK who need specialist medical surgery, treatment and therapy in order to free them from suffering, giving a better quality to their young lives,” said David.
David, who works at the Douglas Stafford head office at Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth, has never let his disability hold him back. Growing up, he was always playing sport and became a national archery champion at a young age, and even played in goal for his school football team.
One way David likes to keep fit is by playing sitting volleyball. He is the captain of the Portsmouth Sitting Volleyball Club and plays in the national UK league. He has led the team to three national final events, played in tournaments abroad and was even involved in the Great Britain training squad prior to the London Paralympics in 2012.
Recently, David’s sitting volleyball coach was at the Invictus Games and remarkably ended up coaching the Georgian national team, leading them to the semi-finals of the competition.
David said: “Sport is a big passion of mine. I’d consider myself an athlete first, and disabled second. As well as that, it’s a huge amount of fun and is a great way of meeting people. Sitting Volleyball is very competitive and our team has gone from strength to strength since it was set up in 2008.”
But for now, David’s attention is solely focused on preparing fully for the Great South Run, which takes place on Sunday, October 26th in Southsea.
“My aim is to try to finish the event in less than one hour and 30 minutes. I have been close in the last two years, but finished just outside. I know it will tough – but I like a challenge!” added David.
Anyone wishing to sponsor David can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/GSR4willow
A Dress down Day will be taking place at the Douglas Stafford head office this Friday (October 17th) followed by a cake sale on Monday (20th) with all proceeds going towards David’s supported charity.
