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Former semi-professional footballer Shaun Whiter has overcome life-changing injuries, running 13 miles at Run Fest at Silverstone Circuit
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Shaun ran in memory of brothers Ben and Arron Peak, aged eight and ten, tragically killed by a drink-driver as they travelled to the racetrack for a family day out
When semi-professional footballer Shaun Whiter lost both of his legs in a road traffic collision, he thought his sporting days were over.
But the dad of two from Hertfordshire has overcome the odds, running 13 miles on specially made blades to raise funds for the UK’s leading road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.
Shaun, aged 36, lost both legs in 2016 after stopping to help a friend change a tyre at the roadside. While standing at the back of his car, he was struck by a driver who fled the scene, leaving Shaun fighting for his life. The driver was jailed for three years and four months for dangerous driving.
The run took place at Silverstone Circuit on Sunday, November 23, in memory of two young brothers from Trafford, Manchester, who lost their lives whilst travelling to the racetrack for a day out.
Ben and Arron Peak aged just eight and ten, died in 2008 when their family car was struck by a vehicle on the M6 in Staffordshire, driven by footballer Luke McCormick who was twice the drink drive limit.
The boys’ mum, Amanda Peak and her daughter Angel, attended Silverstone to cheer on Shaun and his friend Matt Himsworth, who runs B5 Consultancy, a business that works within sport to help create a risk-averse culture.
Shaun now runs workshops and life skills programmes with Matt and his business partner, former footballer Fraser Franks, to educate young footballers about the consequences of dangerous driving.
Speaking after the event, Shaun said: “Taking on Silverstone was about more than crossing the finish line - it was about sending a message. I know firsthand how one reckless decision can change lives forever. By running today, I wanted to honour Arron and Ben’s memory and help IAM RoadSmart raise funds to make the UK’s roads safer so that no family has to suffer the way theirs - or mine did.
“I’m also committed to working with young footballers to make them risk-averse when it comes to driving, because education is key to preventing tragedies like these.”
IAM RoadSmart Head of Fundraising Maria Alexander said: “Shaun’s determination is nothing short of inspirational. To see him take on a half marathon after everything he has been through is a powerful reminder of why road safety matters so much.
“His run not only honours Ben and Arron’s memory but also raises funds for the crucial work IAM RoadSmart does to prevent tragedies on our roads.”
A total of fifteen IAM RoadSmart fundraisers completed the half marathon, raising more than £4,000 to support the charity’s road safety mission. To donate to Shaun Whiter’s campaign click
here
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