Families get behind Exeter Deaf Academy in Devon’s first Monster Race

Exeter Deaf Academy, one of the official charity partners for the Monster Race, are delighted to have families tackling the muddy challenge this weekend, raising funds that will make a real difference to young deaf lives.

On Saturday 17th March 12-year-old Deaf Academy student Sam Harris will take on the 5km Monster Race at Escot Park near Exeter, with his dad and cousin as part of the Academy’s Monster Team.

Sam has been deaf since the age of 4 months old when he lost his hearing from meningitis and his parents express how Exeter Deaf Academy has transformed his life.

Sam’s dad Robert said; ‘As a family, we always want to do things together. We value spending time with each other and this is a brilliant way to have fun as well’.

Sam will be joined by his 4-year-old stepsister Alex, who will run the Mini Monster Race with Sam’s stepmother, and his father and cousin who will take on the 5km race with him. This is not the first time Sam has taken on a challenge to support the Deaf Academy with much needed fundraising; his family completed the Exeter City Centre Santa Run in December with his grandparents.

Robert continued; ‘After the success of the Exeter Santa Run, Sam has now found an enjoyment in running and the Monster Race will be a massive challenge for him and his sister Alex.’

‘We want to raise as much as we can. Since Sam joined the Deaf Academy we have seen a great improvement in him and in his academic and social life, which has given him true happiness and confidence. The help the Academy gives him is invaluable. This is our little way of saying thank you for all the help they have given him over the years.’

The Brown family from Exmouth are also fundraising for Exeter Deaf Academy in the Monster Race. Sharon Brown is taking part with her sons Ethan, aged 13 and Hayden, aged 15.

Sharon, who runs a local sign language service called BSL Enabling, said; ‘Every year my boys and I look for a new fun family challenge, where we can also raise some money for a good cause, and I am always looking for an opportunity to raise awareness for the Deaf community. My friend saw the Deaf Academy were looking for participants and I jumped at the chance to raise funds for them.  We are hoping to reach or exceed a £300 target.’

‘I wouldn’t say I am regular runner, but I do try and stay fit. The Monster challenge certainly won’t be an easy one having seen the obstacles involved!’

This is the first time the Monster Race has come to Devon. With 5k, 10k and Mini Monster children’s courses available, it promises to challenge racers with obstacles to test all elements of fitness, along with the added bonus of getting wet and muddy…

Exeter Deaf Academy is one of the official charity partners for the event, and the money raised from its runners will go towards the Academy’s New Build – a multi-million pound project to build a world-class new Deaf Academy in Exmouth. The site will house the Academy’s school, college and residential accommodation, with the Academy creating a vibrant space designed to inspire students and connect them with the wider community. The new Academy is due to open in 2019.

Sarah Shaw, Fundraising Appeal Manager for Exeter Deaf Academy says “I’d like to thank all of our runners for taking part in the Monster Race and wish everyone taking part the best of luck. I am sure it will be a fantastic event and all of the money raised really will help us transform the lives of deaf young people. If anyone would like to get involved with our project to bring the Academy to Exmouth by taking on their own physical challenge, cake bake or fundraising event please do get in touch on fundraising@exeterdaefacademy.ac.uk or 01392 267019. We have a small, friendly team here at the Academy who have lots of ideas and advice and will support you all the way…”

Find out more about Exeter Deaf Academy’s relocation to Exmouth and the New Build by visiting exeterdeafacademy.ac.uk/support-us/new-build 

For further info and pictures of the Monster Race visit monsterrace.co.uk or email contact@monsterrace.co.uk