The Richard Whitehead Foundation

Enabling disabled people’s ambitions through sport

The Richard Whitehead Foundation enables disabled people’s ambitions through the power of sport and physical activity. We work with disabled people who are facing physical and emotional challenges. We help to identify and remove their barriers to engaging in sport and physical activity, supporting them to reach their full potential.

Our vision

Breaking barriers

One in five people in England have a long-standing limiting disability or illness. The Active Lives Survey (Sport England) shows disabled people are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive (43%) compared with those without a disability.

Through a series of innovative community projects and support tailored to individual needs, we’re breaking through those barriers and helping people not only access sport but change what they think is possible. Since 2021, the Richard Whitehead Foundation has worked with more than 3,000 people, helping them to engage and sustain their participation in physical activity and movement.

Our projects

“It was always my ambition to harness my experiences in life and sport into a charitable foundation to make a difference to disabled people.”

Richard Whitehead MBE

A young child looks at one of Richard's running blades with a smile on his face. He has dark brown hard and is wearing a blazer and blue and red striped tie. Two other children are looking on

Make a difference

The Richard Whitehead Foundation enables disabled people’s ambitions through the power of sport and physical activity.

Your generosity can provide access to life-changing equipment, resources, and opportunities. Together, we can empower lives and create a future where everyone can achieve their full potential.

Join us in making a lasting difference today.

How you can help

Your stories

"The Nissan Possibility Project has opened doors for me, physically in my own wellbeing and fitness but also socially. I didn't know anyone in a similar position to me but I now I finally have a group of friends I can relate to and I'm feeling positive about the future."

Becca, Class of 2023. Nissan Possibilities Project beneficiary
"It was fantastic to meet other amputees as well as Richard himself. Straight away, Rory was pointing out those who had "legs like me", which is all we want from events like this; just to facilitate that inclusion and sense of familiarity".

Rory’s parents, Run with Rich participants
"To have someone help get me prepared and help me throughout the run was a huge help!"

Supported runner beneficiary, Great South Run 2023
"Having never been a support runner before, it was incredibly rewarding!"

Support runner, Great South Run 2023
"I have previously taken part in mass participation running events but stopped going as I found they can be a bit intimidating. I thought the ethos of this event was fantastic which is why I signed up and it more than lived up to expectations. It was a fun, inclusive environment that made everyone feel welcome before, during and after the run.”

David Noble, Run to the Future participant

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Latest news and blogs

Featured

Mar 28, 2024

Frame Runner’s ambition to complete the London Marathon

Mar 28, 2024

Julie McElroy is aiming to be the first female frame runner to complete the TCS London Marathon, fundraising for The Richard Whitehead Foundation on 21st April 2024, alongside her support runner Gill.

Contact us

We’re here to answer any question you may have about our work, how we can support you or someone you know, or how we can work together. You can contact us by email, by post, or by completing our online form.

Email
info@whitehead.foundation