Friends Unite for Marathon to Support Wānaka Teen’s Recovery

A group of friends undertook a remarkable challenge to support 17-year-old Jake Berry, a resident of Wānaka, New Zealand, who suffered a spinal seizure late last year that left him paralysed. The friends participated in the Queenstown Marathon on November 15, 2023, with the aim of providing Jake with the means to stay connected to the outdoors and his community, particularly through skiing.

Jake, described by his mother, Mrs. Berry, as “a very outdoorsy kid,” has demonstrated resilience since his life-altering incident. The team of four runners, consisting of Shawn McAvinue, Glen Reid, Glen Mitchell, and Simon Johnson, reunited for this significant event. All four friends met at the University of Otago in the 1990s and have since dispersed across the country. Their goal was clear: to support their friend’s son in his recovery journey.

Each runner was motivated by Jake’s passion for sports and the hope that he could continue pursuing his interests. McAvinue shared, “When it started to hurt, just thinking about Jake being able to carry on with the sport he loves was a big motivation to get across the finish line.” The marathon’s location was particularly meaningful, as it was close to where Jake lives, allowing him to attend and cheer on his friends.

For many in the group, this marked their first marathon experience. McAvinue noted that they wanted to participate in “a beautiful one.” Prior to the marathon, he had only run a maximum of 26 kilometres. With encouragement from his children, who had written motivational messages all over his arms, he accomplished his goal, finishing the race just 25 seconds under his four-hour target.

The effort was not only about completing the marathon but also about raising funds for Jake’s future. The money collected will contribute to adaptive sports equipment and events tailored for him. A Givealittle fundraising page was established with an initial goal of $6,500, which has already been surpassed ahead of its closure on Saturday.

As stated on the Givealittle page, “Being in a wheelchair hasn’t stopped the Wānaka teen from continuing to enjoy sports, hitting the tracks and slopes on adaptive ski gear.” The commitment from friends and the community highlights a powerful message of support and determination in the face of adversity.