Friends Unite in Queenstown Marathon to Support Teen’s Recovery

A group of friends ran the Queenstown Marathon on November 15, 2023, to support Jake Berry, a 17-year-old from Wānaka who suffered a spinal seizure late last year, resulting in paralysis. The team, comprised of four long-time friends, aimed to raise funds for Jake’s recovery and adaptive sports equipment, enabling him to remain active in the community he loves.

Jake, described by his mother, Mrs. Berry, as “a very outdoorsy kid,” has shown remarkable resilience despite his challenges. She emphasized his eagerness to re-engage with outdoor activities and the local community through sports like skiing. The marathon, taking place near his home, allowed Jake to cheer on his friends as they ran.

The team of runners included Shawn McAvinue, Glen Reid, Glen Mitchell, and Simon Johnson, all of whom met at the University of Otago in the 1990s. Though they now live in different parts of the country, they reunited with a common purpose: to support Jake during his recovery journey.

As they tackled the 42.2-kilometre race, the motivation to help Jake spurred them on, especially during the tough moments. “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,” McAvinue shared.

For many, this was their first marathon experience. “We wanted to do a beautiful one,” he added, highlighting the scenic nature of the Queenstown route. McAvinue, who had never run further than 26 kilometres before, completed the marathon just 25 seconds shy of his four-hour goal. He carried words of encouragement from his children written on his arms, pushing him through the challenging race.

The fundraising effort has exceeded initial expectations. A Givealittle page set up for Jake aimed for a target of $6,500 but has already surpassed that milestone. The funds raised will contribute to future adaptive sports equipment and events, ensuring that Jake can continue to enjoy sports despite his circumstances.

The page highlights Jake’s determination: “Being in a wheelchair hasn’t stopped the Wānaka teen from continuing to enjoy sports, hitting the tracks and slopes on adaptive ski gear.” This inspiring story showcases the power of community support and the lengths friends will go to assist one of their own during difficult times.