Ten out of ten for effort, Joe!

By Tom Molloy

MARATHON MAN: Joseph Adams prepares for his ‘No Limits’ challenge which will see him run ten 10ks in 10 days across five European countries

AN Altrincham super fan with Down Syndrome is to embark on a gruelling charity challenge – running ten 10ks in five days, across ten different European countries!

Joseph Adams, 21, is taking on the epic “No Limits” challenge to hopefully raise the £250,000 needed to hire a disability sports officer role as part of the club’s Community Sports charity and establish a programme for children and adults with Special Needs.

The challenge will culminate in the Altrincham 10K on September 1 where Joseph will pass the J. Davidson Stadium – the home of his beloved club.

The fundraising campaign is very much a family affair with Joseph running alongside his parents and three sisters.

Joseph has already raised sponsorship and pledges of around £180,000 after setting an initial target of £100,000, which he’s now upped to £250,000.

READY FOR THE OFF: Joseph Adams and his family

With the increased fundraising target, Joseph’s ultimate goal is to broaden the programme to provide support, training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities across local areas.

“When Joseph was born, his Mum and I were told about all the things he wouldn’t be able to do because he has Down Syndrome,” explained Joseph’s father, Phil Adams.

“But we vowed to take a No Limits approach to what he could do and 21 years later, we couldn’t be prouder of him.

“He’s gone on to pursue his many passions from football to dancing to skiing to rugby to Special Olympics swimming, winning multiple gold medals including one at the 2023 UK Down Syndrome National Swimming Championships.

“Ironically, he hates running and hadn’t really tried before taking on this latest challenge but what we’ve all learned over the years is that Joseph has been able to achieve a huge amount more than we might have expected when we ignore perceived wisdom.”

Joseph said: “I am really looking forward to visiting lots of countries and running with my family and I cant wait for a beer at the finish!”

The “No Limits” campaign was created to highlight an individual’s true potential – exploring what someone can do, rather than making assumptions on what they can’t do.

Support Joseph at www.gofundme.com/f/josephs-challenge-no-limits