Joey’s triple fund-raising inspirations

Three very special people with bleeding disorders inspired Joey Beavis’ insane fundraising challenge of walking 100km non-stop in 17 hours which has raised more than £2,200 for the Haemophilia Society.

Joey’s motivation comes from his son Max, 18 months, and his wife Lauren who both have type 2 von Willebrand disorder. Max had a brain bleed at birth but has thankfully made a full recovery. Joey also wanted to raise money in memory of his uncle, David Hatton, who died as a result of treatment with contaminated blood products in 1998.

The way in which Lauren tries not to let her bleeding disorder stop her from doing what she loves is something Joey really admires, and the couple have adopted the same approach in raising Max, and their older sons Oliver, seven and Henry, three. 

Joey said: ‘Max is probably the most daring of the boys, so if there’s any playfighting, he’ll generally be on top! The older two are well aware of his and their mummy’s ‘special blood’ and they see their bruises, but in general we try to give them all as much of a free rein as possible. It is important to us that Max is able to live as normal a life as possible.’

‘My clients, family and friends all know about Max and his traumatic start in life and they’ve been so generous in supporting me. I feel honoured to have done it for the Haemophilia Society.’

To prepare for his ultra-challenge, which took place on last month, Joey was up at 3.30am every Sunday for 12 weeks to go for training walks near his home in Derby. As a personal trainer, Joey was already in good shape, but walking 100km non-stop around the Peak District required next-level fitness. 

Joey is 41, the same age as his uncle David was when he died 25 years ago, something which ‘hit home’ during his training. Joey said: ‘I remember my uncle was hardly able to move sometimes, because of his condition. I’m lucky enough to be fit enough to do this which is why I wanted to fly the flag for the Haemophilia Society.’

Joey made great time in the walk, despite thunder and lightning, coming in seven hours ahead of his 24-hour deadline, even managing to run the last 10km. He said: ‘It wasn’t as bad as it sounds. I was on an adrenaline high for a while and it felt really good to have done it. I was shocked by how much money I raised. My clients, family and friends all know about Max and his traumatic start in life and they’ve been so generous in supporting me. I feel honoured to have done it for the Haemophilia Society.’

It’s not too late to contribute to Joey’s fundraising: Joey Beavis is fundraising for The Haemophilia Society (justgiving.com)