By Bibiana Lebersorger, News Reporter
During the course of the Tokyo games, third-year student Charlotte Nichols and partner Stuart Bates aim to compete in all 96 Olympic sports in hopes of raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, in loving memory of Stuart’s brother Spencer ‘Spenny’ Bates.
The pair are ready to tackle everything from dressage and weightlifting to hurdles and diving, all in the hopes of raising £10,000 for the charity which focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease.
This unique challenge, dubbed the ‘Spennylympics’, is believed to be the first of its kind. Activities include a 50km speed walk, 10k swim, 240km road cycle and marathon to name just a few.
What an undertaking by medicine student Charlotte and her partner Stuart 💪
— Bristol University 🎓 (@BristolUni) July 13, 2021
They'll be boxing, horse riding, swimming 10k and even doing a marathon.
It’s all for a fantastic cause and we’ve been pleased to help in a small way.
Donate 👉 https://t.co/pgTsEX69oG@spennylympics https://t.co/0WpSBdCCvw
When the couple haven’t been training for this epic feat, Charlotte has been working around the already rigorous schedule of a medic at the University of Bristol, and Stuart has been working full-time as a window cleaner.
Charlotte and Stuart have secured the help of over 50 former and current Olympians to be ambassadors for the challenge, as well as help from the University of Bristol, who has offered free access to all sporting facilities, including coaching assistance.
‘The training has been tough’ says Charlotte, ‘particularly fitting it around studying medicine. But there have been some incredible moments too, like sailing in Weymouth as the sun was setting.’
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Weymouth has a special importance as it was the hometown of Spenny, a father of two taken tragically young by motor neurone disease 10 years ago this year. Stuart describes his brother as a ‘a truly one-off character who was universally loved by all that met him.’
Stuart and Charlotte have set up a Just Giving page to reach their goal, which can be reached HERE.
Featured Image: The University of Bristol
