Marathon effort for John

It’s been ten years since Glossop resident John Barber first contracted the extremely rare disease ‘Japanese Encephalitis’, while travelling through South East Asia.

The mosquito-borne virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, often leading to severe neurological complications and paralysis similar to polio. 

Once a keen footballer and sportsman, John was left largely paralysed, and life changed dramatically following his illness. He spent two weeks in a coma in a Thailand hospital with family and friends desperately raising money to bring him home. 

Thanks to the unwavering support of mum Kathy Miller, along with family and friends and countless fundraising efforts, John has now built a full and active life at home. 

John’s days are filled with regular therapy sessions, outings to football matches and the cinema, and plenty of time spent with his loved ones.  

A key part of that independence has been his wheelchair-accessible van, his passport to the world beyond his front door, enabling him to attend appointments, see friends, go on holiday and cheer on his beloved Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

Now, however, John’s trusted van has reached the end the road and needs replacing. Its age and mileage mean it is no longer fit for purpose, but replacing it is financially out of reach.  

Most of John’s funding, including disability benefits and help from his parents goes toward essential physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and the upkeep of specialist equipment. That leaves nothing for a new wheelchair-accessible van, which runs into thousands of pounds. 

Determined not to see John lose his hard-won independence, two of his closest friends Sam Sidebotham and Mikey Lancaster have decided to take action in true sporting spirit.  

On Sunday 19th April, the pair will be running the Manchester Marathon to raise money for a replacement van. 

For Sam, who only returned to running last year after a five-year break, tackling 26.2 miles will be a monumental test. He and John have been friends since school, and Sam admits John will take great delight in knowing just how gruelling the training has been. 

As for Mikey, a former rugby player and proud 19-stone competitor, the challenge might be even tougher. But both are committed to crossing the finish line for their friend. 

“John’s been through so much, but he’s still one of the most positive and determined people I know” said Sam. “If we can help make sure he keeps his independence, it’ll all be worth it.” 

All donations will go directly toward the cost of John’s new accessible van. Contributions can be made through their GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/f/sam-mikeys-marathon-for-johns-wheelchairaccessible-van