Old Reigatians Teammates Back Zac
The U13 Old Reigatians team are so impressed by teammate Zac Knight’s efforts on behalf of the Young Epilepsy charity that recently they joined him on one of his mile runs as he aims to put in a total of 172, running on a daily basis.
Zac was diagnosed with epilepsy in January 2020 and has since made great strides in raising awareness for this condition and vital funds for Young Epilepsy.
The charity helped Zac’s family to understand epilepsy and how to continue living their lives after his diagnosis and the total 172 miles he’s now running represent the 172 pupils in their school and college. As they provide a safe space for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities including epilepsy, autism, and severe learning difficulties Zac sets off each day wearing one of the student’s names.
He started running on 1st January and once he’s completed the 172 miles is going to take on a half marathon.
Said dad James: “Zac was diagnosed at the start of lockdown and his mum, Rachel and I were going out running. He decided to join us and then said he wanted to raise money for Young Epilepsy by running eight miles to raise £200. That year he raised about £2,500. He has upped it by a mile a year but this year he wanted to recognise the struggles young people at the school and college go through daily by representing each of them. He runs either at 7am before school or in the dark after school in a head torch but one of us is with him every step of the way. Once he’s done his 172 miles he’ll set out from home and run a 13.5 mile half-marathon distance with the finishing line at the school where the students can cheer him in.”
Zac added: “It felt surreal to run a mile with my rugby team. It’s a bit like an extended family and I love rugby, it’s very fun. I enjoy watching Jamie George who’s now England captain. I was at Twickenham when he scored a try against Italy and it was great!”
Jamie took time out of training for the match in Rome to say: “I wish Zac all the best with his fundraising. He’s obviously extremely determined and we’re all very impressed. Keep it up Zac!”
To donate, visit the Zac's Just Giving page or follow Zac's challenge on Facebook and Instagram.
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