Liam Takes on Leeds Marathon to Help Friend Joe Get a Life Changing Wheelchair

Liam Hall is taking on the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon this year with a purpose: to help his friend, Joe Skinner, fund a new wheelchair that will allow him to continue living life to the fullest. Joe’s current off‑road wheelchair, the Frontier V6, has transformed his independence since 2023 – but it is now breaking down frequently and becoming increasingly expensive to repair. Without a replacement, Joe risks losing the mobility and freedom he has worked so hard to build.

The situation is made more challenging by the closure of the charity that originally funded Joe’s current wheelchair. As Joe explained, “There is a limited pool of charities that accommodate disabled adults, and even when they can help, they often need people to have raised some of their own money first to increase the chances of a successful bid.”

Joe is a 26‑year‑old wheelchair user with Cerebral Palsy who strives to live life to the full with his family and friends. Although he now approaches life with optimism, he is open about the challenges he faced growing up. “I like to think I have a positive mindset, but it hasn’t always been the case,” he said. In his teenage years and early adulthood, Joe struggled with feelings he didn’t yet have the tools to manage, compounded by the frustration of being excluded simply because places and activities weren’t accessible.

At 18, Joe made a decision that changed everything. He resolved to stop letting his situation define him. He built structure and routine into his life – daily exercise, goal‑setting, and surrounding himself with new friends who brought him into social activities. But even as his mindset grew stronger, his NHS wheelchair’s limitations held him back.

Everything shifted in January 2023 when Joe received the Frontier V6. It opened up a world that had previously been out of reach. Suddenly, he could enjoy the outdoors with his family, travel more easily, take part in activities he loved, and even attend music events. It also revolutionised his work life. Having worked in disability sport and inclusion for eight years, Joe is constantly on the move outdoors. The Frontier V6 allowed him to keep up – aphysically and professionally.

But now, the chair is deteriorating. Repairs are expensive and unpredictable. Something as simple as the controller getting wet can cost £750–£1,200 to replace. To avoid the risk, Joe often wears a waterproof glove over his hand – meaning he struggles to use his phone if he needs to.

That is why Liam is stepping up.

He is running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to help Joe secure a Freedom One Life wheelchair – equipment designed by someone with Cerebral Palsy, built specifically to overcome the challenges Joe faces. This high‑performance chair offers:

• 40km battery range
• Top speed of 12km/h
• On‑board charger
• 100mm kerb‑climbing capacity
• Waterproof controller
• Flight mode compliant & crash tested
• Three‑year warranty

Access to this chair would give Joe the confidence and stability he needs to continue living his life without fear of sudden breakdowns or overwhelming repair costs. It would enable him to keep spreading messages of visibility, inclusion, and resilience – both through his work and within his community.

Liam’s marathon effort is more than a physical challenge. It is an act of friendship, solidarity, and belief in Joe’s mission. By running for Joe, he is helping ensure that one piece of vital equipment doesn’t limit a young man who has worked tirelessly to build a full, active, and joyful life.