A 71-year-old amputee completed a 200-mile bus challenge to London last weekend to fundraise for the kids of derelict Wythenshawe Community Rugby Club.
From Friday 7 March to Saturday 8 March, Barry Mackleston travelled from Manchester to the home of rugby, Twickenham, using only public bus services.
His challenge has fundraised more than £1,500 to repair the crumbling facilities of Wythenshawe Community Rugby Club, which Mackleston credits for giving him a new lease of life.
Founded in 2015, the rugby club suffers from run-down conditions like rodents, collapsing floors, improper showers, and unsafe electrics.
Mackleston, the club’s general secretary, described it as a ‘swamp’ unsuitable for young players, many of whom are vulnerable children with adverse childhood experiences or mental health challenges.
He said: “I feel elated knowing the children will get the support they need.
“That’s what this journey was all about – ensuring they’re not left behind.”
The ex-bus driver believes the rugby club is what brought him back to life after his leg amputation, naming this as another reason he was motivated to fundraise.
He said: “Rugby pulled me back up.”
Mackleston is also determined his bus pass challenge can highlight the capabilities of wheelchair-users.
He said: “I feel like I’ve proved a point. I’ve always said that being disabled doesn’t stop you, and I’ve just demonstrated that.”
Barry Mackleston arriving at Allianz Stadium by Dunya Simoes
The amputee began his journey alone at Manchester Airport on Friday morning, heading to Derby via Buxton, with only a driver following behind carrying a spare wheelchair.
A near-missed connection in Buxton was avoided when a bus driver contacted control to hold the next service, allowing him to board with seconds to spare.
Thanks to the intervention, the rest of Mackleston’s journey continued with only minor delays until the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday afternoon.
To celebrate Mackleston’s efforts, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) services team gifted Mackleston with premium tickets for England’s Six Nations game against Italy the next day.
Paul Deakin, RFU council member, said: “It’s what rugby is about.
“It’s about coming together and helping everybody within the community.”
Main image by Dunya Simoes
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