Thomas’ Triple Challenge pushes NCTJ team to physical limits and raises over £2,700 for Thomas Read bursary
The NCTJ team and supporters have completed Thomas’ Triple Challenge, raising over £2,700 for the Thomas Read bursary.
The NCTJ team and supporters have completed Thomas’ Triple Challenge, raising over £2,700 for the Thomas Read bursary.
Joanne Forbes and Laura Adams from the NCTJ setting off on a 10km run
The challenge took place on 18 October at Fitness Focus gyms in Clavering and Thaxted, near the NCTJ’s Essex office.
The bursary was set up in memory of Sky Sports News journalist Thomas Read, who had cerebral palsy and died unexpectedly in 2015 aged 25. It provides financial support through the Journalism Diversity Fund to aspiring journalists with disabilities or long-term health conditions to help them fund their NCTJ training.
The NCTJ set three ambitious physical challenges for the fundraiser and, with the help of gym-goers and industry supporters, achieved the following:
- 1,078km by running/walking
- 1,643km by cycling/swimming/rowing
- 64,809kg lifted
Thomas Read
Andy Thompson, senior news editor at Sky Sports News, joined the NCTJ team in Clavering and clocked up 30km by rowing and cycling. Thomas’ parents Carolyn and Kevin also joined the efforts on the day.
Kevin said: “We want to thank the NCTJ for helping us to keep Thomas’ legacy alive.
“It’s a warm, wonderful feeling to have this continued support, particularly as we approach ten years of the Thomas Read bursary. Here’s to the next ten years.”
Joanne Forbes, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “Thomas was an inspirational young journalist who achieved so much in a short time. We are incredibly grateful to the Read family and everyone who has helped us raise funds for the bursary, which makes a real difference.”
Last year, the Thomas Read bursary was awarded to Laura Howard, who completed the gold standard Diploma in Journalism at St Mary’s University.
Laura Howard
Having been diagnosed with autism and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Laura aims to bring diversity to the newsroom by broadening the traditional scope of sports journalism.
Laura now works at She’s a Baller, an independent publisher of women’s football content.
She said: “The Thomas Read bursary was invaluable in supporting me through the NCTJ qualification. It has enabled me to pursue a career in sports journalism and continue to cover underrepresented groups in sport.”
It’s not too late to show your support. With donations still open, the NCTJ hopes to continue raising funds to reach their ambitious £5,000 target.
To contribute, please go to: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/thomas-triple-challenge
To find out more about the Thomas Read bursary and the Journalism Diversity Fund, click here.
