“Don’t let someone say you can’t do it. No. Prove people wrong” says a runner with a learning disability and cerebral palsy gearing up for the London Marathon.

Aaron Plummer, from Walthamstow, is taking on the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon for learning disability charity Mencap.

The 19-year-old is fundraising for Mencap to thank the charity for supporting him to overcome barriers presented by his learning disability and cerebral palsy and achieve his dream first job working in the hotel industry.

While studying at William Morris School in Folly Lane, Aaron was applying for jobs and work experience in the hotel industry without success.

In 2018, Aaron joined Mencap’s internship programme where he was set up with a work placement at Novotel Hotel. He now works as a conference porter in Novotel Waterloo’s food and beverage department.

“I’ve been so glad for what Mencap has done over the years,” explained Aaron.

“I can’t wait to be there in April at the start line. Proving people wrong, proving the whole world wrong. To anyone else who is running the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon, all I say is: don’t let someone say you can’t do it. No. Prove people wrong. Run with me and achieve your dreams.”

Mencap will be using the income raised to fund 'All Move', a new schools programme to bring children with and without learning disabilities together through sports sessions.

Aaron, who has almost hit his £9,000 fundraising target, added: “I want to raise as much as possible because I don’t know where I’d be without Mencap.

“To everyone who has donated so far, thank you very much. I’ll see you on marathon day.”

Aaron will be hosting a pub quiz at the William the Fourth pub in Leyton on Friday, February 21 at 8pm. Tickets to enter cost £3 per person, maximum 6 players per team and all proceeds will go towards Aaron’s marathon fundraising.

To book a table for your team, please contact William the Fourth pub via email info@williamthefourth.co.uk or call 020 8556 2460.

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