Tully Kearney MBE Journey from Elite Athlete to Champion for Change

As a competitive athlete with a mild disability, I always pushed my limits but never truly grasped the profound challenges faced by those with more severe impairments. Then, my own health took a turn for the worse. A progressive condition forced me to withdraw from a major competition, and I feared my athletic career was over.

Yet, through perseverance, I found a path back to sport: frame running. A frame runner changed everything. This three-wheeled frame supports the user while they propel themselves forward, granting a sense of freedom and independence. For the first time, I could run long distances, join my friends on walks, and explore rough terrain that my wheelchair couldn't handle. It was life-changing.

Then, I met Leo. A bright young boy with cerebral palsy, Leo couldn't walk, sit independently, or speak. But his eyes held a fierce determination. His family longed to find an activity he could enjoy, a way for him to experience movement under his own power.

I knew frame running might be the answer. We borrowed a frame, and the transformation was instant. Leo zipped around his garden, grinning ear to ear. At that moment, I realized frame running could unlock boundless potential for children and adults with disabilities. But I also learned how many families, like Leo's, faced barriers. The specialized frames are expensive, and the NHS wouldn't provide support until Leo could sit independently – something he might never achieve.

This struck me as profoundly unfair. I fundraised for Leo's own frame runner and was overjoyed to see the impact it had. Yet, I knew there were countless more children like Leo out there. That's when I decided to channel my passion into action.

Inspired by the incredible work of Now I Can Run Australia, I'm establishing the first UK branch of this movement right here in the East Midlands. My dream is to give everyone with a neurological impairment the chance to experience the thrill and empowerment of frame running. It's about more than just sport; it's about unlocking independence, building confidence, and sparking pure joy.

Unfortunately, these life-changing frame runners come at a cost – roughly £2,000-3,000 each, plus the cost of essential adaptations to meet individual needs. That's where you come in. Your donation will help us:

►Purchase frames so children and adults can discover the freedom of movement.

►Secure insurance and storage, ensuring the club operates safely and smoothly.

►Obtain equipment (cones, ladders, etc.) to create engaging training sessions.

►Provide specialized grip aids and padding for those who need them.

My long-term goal is ambitious but achievable: within 10 years, I want to ensure that no one in the UK lives more than an hour from a frame running club. We're already working on expanding to a West Midlands location next year!

I know I can’t achieve this alone. Your generosity will fuel this dream. Together, we can transform lives, ignite potential, and create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to run.

*Please, donate today and be part of this incredible journey. Your gift will create ripples of hope and empowerment that will last a lifetime.

Remember: Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference!*