The EQ Foundation have supported Panathlon for many years both through cash investment which enables us to engage many more disabled young people, but also through fundraising and volunteer support at many of our events.
EQ Foundation colleague lent a hand at our North London Xtend competition in May 2023, guiding Key Stage 3 pupils with disabilities and special needs through the sporting stations and officiating the competition.
One of the EQ volunteers, Catherine Deptford (pictured below), said: “It was incredible to be a part of the Panathlon event. The enjoyment and fun as well as the excitement and sense of achievement that the children experienced was brilliant.”
EQ’s long history of volunteering at our events goes back to swimming competitions in 2017 and even an Ealing Primary event way back in 2015.
Moreover, EQ staff have fundraised for Panathlon with a variety of herculean physical feats. Most recently, a team took part in the Nuclear Races event in Brentwood, Essex (see below) – a 7K ‘race’ across fields, lakes and swamps involving 65 obstacles that severely tested the physical and mental stamina for all those involved.
Freddie Cleworth (second from right) said after volunteering as a leader at a Panathlon competition: “We saw in real-time the positive effect Panathlon has for the children, building their confidence through the enjoyment of competitive sport. I have no doubt this will help lead to broader positive impact in their lives looking forward.”
EQ staff have fundraised for Panathlon by running every year in the Royal Parks Half Marathon. In November 2021, Matt Lewis (pictured with his wife Dani) complete the course in 1h 41m – this despite having run the London Marathon just a week before, also raising money for Panathlon!
Jeannie Boyle from EQ Investors has also been a strong supporter of Panathlon for years and has ran for us on many occasions, not only in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, but also in the London Marathon in 2018.
Jeannie has also volunteered at several Panathlon competitions and said: “Having seen first hand the joy on the faces of the children competing in Panathlon, I know what impact the charity has.”
EQ Foundation re-committed their support for Panathlon in 2022/23 to the tune of £25,000. This incredibly generous donation helped us deliver opportunities in the year ahead to tens of thousands of children with SEND.
