"Nothing Can Stop Us": Dan and Jade Raise funds for Building for the Future in Inspiring London 10K Challenge

Since leaving full time education Wokingham resident Daniel Woolford has thrown himself into fundraising and volunteering for our charity, Building for the Future.

His latest efforts are impressive – raising just over £700 as part of a duo taking part in the Saucony London 10K.

For 22-year-old Dan, living with cerebral palsy has never been a barrier to dreaming big, or giving back. He completed the iconic race with his former support worker and close friend, Jade, who pushed him around the 10K course through the streets of London.

For Dan, taking on the challenge was about much more than completing a race.

"We wanted to challenge ourselves while making a positive difference," he said. "The London 10K was a chance to step outside our comfort zones, raise awareness and funds for Building for the Future, and show that every challenge can become an opportunity to help others. We hope our journey encourages more people to get involved and support their communities."

The pair's partnership stretches back several years, when Jade supported Dan while he was a student at Treloar College.

Since then, their friendship has flourished, and together they proved what can be achieved through trust, encouragement and determination.

"Jade became an incredible teammate who was always there for me when I needed her most," Dan said. "We supported each other through training, encouraged one another on race day and never let the difficult moments stop us. Having someone who believes in you and motivates you makes all the difference."

Race day brought a mixture of excitement and nerves.

Getting ready on the start line, surrounded by thousands of runners was an emotional moment, but as soon as they got moving, the atmosphere carried them forward.

"Running through London alongside so many people coming together for different causes was inspiring, and it's something I'll never forget," said Dan.

Like every endurance event, there were difficult moments along the route, particularly in the latter stages of the race. But whenever fatigue crept in, Dan and Jade reminded each other why they were there.

"Thinking about Building for the Future, everyone who had supported us and the difference we were making gave us the strength to keep going."

The highlight came as they crossed the finish line together.

"We felt emotional, proud and relieved," Dan said. "It represented training, determination and teamwork. Sharing that achievement together made it even more meaningful."

Among those cheering them on were Dan's mum and dad, family, friends, everyone who donated to their fundraiser and the thousands of spectators lining London's streets.

"We're incredibly thankful," Dan said. "The generosity people showed was overwhelming, and every donation will help Building for the Future continue the fantastic work they do. It's inspiring to see what can happen when a community comes together for a shared purpose."

Dan hopes their achievement will encourage others to take on their own fundraising challenge.

"Support each other, encourage each other and enjoy the journey," he said. "It doesn't matter how fast you are or whether you've run before – what matters is taking that first step. With the right teammate beside you, challenges become more achievable, and together you can make a real difference."

And while the medals have been collected and the running shoes have had a well-earned rest, Dan says this is far from the end of their fundraising journey.

"This is just the beginning! Completing the London 10K and raising money for Building for the Future has inspired us to keep giving back to the community.

“We're already thinking about our next challenge and hope to continue supporting great causes while encouraging others to get involved. If our journey inspires someone else to take that first step, then we've achieved something even bigger than the 10K itself."

We couldn't be more grateful to Dan and Jade for their incredible efforts. They have shown that with friendship, teamwork and a willingness to challenge yourself, anything is possible.