Droitwich Special Olympics star Jamie to run virtual London Marathon for Mencap - The Droitwich Standard

Droitwich Special Olympics star Jamie to run virtual London Marathon for Mencap

Droitwich Editorial 2nd Oct, 2020   0

AN OLYMPIAN who was bullied at school because of his learning disability is taking on the virtual 2020 London Marathon to raise money for charity Mencap.

Jamie Dancyger, 35, was taunted by students during PE lessons for the way that he ran.

But the Droitwich athlete proved his bullies wrong by becoming a Special Olympic medal-winning runner is now looking to prove them wrong again.

On Sunday, October 4 he will run 26.2 miles in the town.




He said: “My bullies said horrible, nasty things which made me lose my confidence and not want to take part in activities.

“But I made new friends and as the years went on I took part in competitions and won medals.”


During his time with the Special Olympics, Jamie represented his club and region in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m and 5000m races.

He also represented the Special Olympics GB at the World Games in Athens in 2011, where he picked up two silver medals.

Jamie has wanted to run the London Marathon for a long time after being inspired by those who took part.

“I think it is mind over matter because sometimes I think that I might not be able to do it, and then other times I think, ‘yeah, I can do it if I put my mind to it.’

“I shouldn’t be nervous so I’m just going to be really positive.”

Jamie is one of 312 Mencap runners – including ten with a learning disability – taking on the challenge.

Every penny raised by Jamie will go towards funding Mencap’s life-changing programmes which aim to tackle stigma and help people with a learning disability lead happy and healthy lives.

Edel Harris, chief executive of Mencap, added: “While Mencap runners won’t have the race day they planned and trained for this year, we can all still support Jamie to have the day he deserves by cheering him on and donating to his fundraising page.”

To donate to Jamie’s page, click here.

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