Feeling inspired by the London Marathon? Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, is looking for 70 runners to celebrate the charity’s 70th anniversary. 

Diverse Abilities was established in 1955 by Phyllis Edwards when she formed a group of parents’ intent on providing better opportunities for their children with physical and learning disabilities. At the time, the only option was to send your child away to another part of the country. This group of parents decided that was not good enough, and this was the start of what is now Diverse Abilities. 

The charity has grown from that small group of parents to supporting thousands of children and adults across Dorset, providing a special school, children’s respite, family support, an adults’ activity and therapy centre, and a supported living service. 

To mark their 70-year anniversary the charity is looking for 70 runners to take on challenges in 2025. Runners can sign up to any run of their choice or sign up for charity place for the Dorset Mud Run or Run Bournemouth. 

Francesca Potton, community fundraiser at Diverse Abilities commented: “We are on the hunt for 70 runners to take on challenges to help us celebrate our 70th anniversary. We’d love for people to take on a challenge, whether you are an experienced runner or a newbie. We will help guide you through your training and give you everything you need to succeed in your fundraising. It’s a great way to challenge yourself as well as raising money to support children and adults with disabilities in your local community and ensure we can keep going for the next 70 years.”

Find out more and sign up diverseabilities.org.uk/70runners