Resident takes on gruelling half-marathon for a charity close to his heart

After a traumatic amputation, determined resident Mal will take on the challenge of walking a brutal 13 miles across different terrains at this year’s Potters Arf on Sunday 26 September. With plans to raise money for veterans who have been through a similar journey.

It's no easy task. Mal had his leg amputated after having his toes crushed on a bus and had to relearn how to walk: “As soon as it happened, I was so determined to get back onto my feet. I kept pushing myself further.”

“It was moving to Bradeley Village that really saved me. I was made homeless after my terraced home was no longer suitable for my needs. That’s when I found Staffs Housing and the village.”

“It was fully accessible with a community of great people, that meant I couldn’t isolate myself. Even before I moved in, the housing officer came to visit me in the hospital to make sure I had everything I needed to move in.”

“It was great because I was able to get about with my wheelchair and scooter. I even used the corridors to take my prosthetic limb for a spin when I first got it, using the railings to get my balance.”

“I even later joined the customer involvement team, to help shape and mould services at Staffs Housing from a customers perspective, so that kept me busy too.”

“But I’m always looking for my next challenge or a new way to push myself. So, when I saw the walk advertised, I had to go for it!”

Mal has a strict training regime to stick to, to prepare for the race. He’s been training in Forest Part over the last couple of months to help build up stamina but found the heat and the pain of his prosthetic hard to deal with at times.

Walking the race will challenge himself and help others at the same time. He’s proving that anyone can do anything they set their mind to. “No matter how hard it will be, or how long it will take, I’m determined to get to that finish line! Knowing I’m doing it for other people will give me the motivation to keep going.”

Mal has managed to raise a whopping £140 so far for charity Blesma who helps limbless veterans to live an independent and full life. The charity is very close to home as Mal was also a veteran for over 25 years.

His neighbours at Bradeley Village have all clubbed together to support him. “The residents have been fab! They’ve all supported me and helped me raise so much! It’s very much the ethos of the village, everyone always supports each other.”

"I would love to raise more, so if you have a few spare quid please donate what you can."

Would you like to support Mal? You can donate to Blesma online at: www.justgiving.com/blesma or alternatively you can speak to Mal to donate.