Mark triumphs in Big Walk marathon
Mark Charlesworth triumphed in his efforts to complete the event, although it took him a lot longer than most of the participants.
AFTER a year of solid preparation for this year’s 5kmDiscovery East Coast Radio Big Walk, Mark Charlesworth succeeded in his goal, despite the fact that it took him a long longer than most of the other participants.
Mark broke his neck in a freak motor vehicle accident in 2004 after which doctors classified him quadriplegic. At the time, doctors said he would never move again from the neck down, but Mark, who calls himself a ‘walking quadriplegic’ through sheer grit and determination managed to gain back some function over the years in both his arms and legs. In May last year he announced that he wanted to take on the popular big walk, despite having to use a frame to walk with. At the time of his announcment, he could not walk more thaan 150m with his walking frame.
“For me this was always a journey that would be a lot longer than a simple 5km walk on the beach. The event was a great experience and fun to do and although it took a year in preparation and a lot of effort and hard training to get there, I am happy I did it, even just to prove I can. I think on the day a lot of people were betting against me not being able to complete the distance and it is was good to prove them wrong and at the same time create awareness for people with disabilities and support five very worthy charities,” he said.
Mark was joined on the day by a few people in wheelchairs, as well as comedian for the day, Paula Morton Davies, who kept them entertained with her hilarious comments and amazing cheerleading the whole way through.
“Saint Giles Durban sent some supporters out to start with us and they were really bubbly and enthusiastic and stuck with us all the way to the end shouting words of encouragement every step of the way which was greatly appreciated. Tori Gardner flew all the way up from Cape Town to represent The Players’ Fund and Jodie Kroone and a group of the QuadPara SA guys joined us as well which was fantastic. Of course the day wouldn’t be complete without my physiotherapists and support team. We had a few very special guests, Okuhle Cele and Sibonelo Sibz Makhanya from the Dolphins cricket team who came out to support us and help create awareness for people with disabilities by doing the event in wheelchairs,” said Mark.
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He said the walk wasn’t easy, as he hadn’t walked that far in nearly 15 years.
“My 5km journey took 5 hours and 38 minutes to complete, a long time and not an easy walk. I was more than a bit disappointed not to have broken the four hour cut off time, but I was very lucky to have had a fantastic support team and great company along the way. They even put a tape up for me at the end so it was like I won the race, which was really cool,” he said.
Mark thanked all those who supported him by following his training posts on Facebook over the last year and being there on race day.
“A very special thank you goes out to my beautiful wife Tarryn who stood by me without a second thought when I broke my neck almost 15 years ago, and has had to put up with me every day since. She has been the unsung heroine behind me every step of this journey and without her I would never be where I am today, for that I will always love her,” he said.
Mark is still raising funds for the five charities he supported through the walk, The Players’ Fund, Saint Giles Durban, QuadPara SA, Highway Hospice and VEMA Paramedics.
Contact Mark at mark@550steps.co.za or on 082 440 4215. To make a direct donation, banking details are: Nedbank Corporate Saver (Not Nedbank Ltd); Account no.: 9017190993; Branch code 720026; Account name: 550 Steps. Send a confirmation email and proof of payment to donations@550steps.co.za in order to help Mark keep track of incoming funds and allow him to personally thank you. Tax certificates are available on request.
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