Friends Run Queenstown Marathon to Support Paralysed Teen

A group of friends came together for a remarkable cause as they participated in the Queenstown Marathon on November 15, 2023, to support their friend’s son, Jake Berry, a 17-year-old from Wānaka who is recovering from a spinal seizure that left him paralysed. The runners aimed to help Jake stay connected to the outdoors and maintain his passion for skiing, a sport he loves deeply.

The team, consisting of four long-time friends—Shawn McAvinue, Glen Reid, Glen Mitchell, and Simon Johnson—reunited for this event. Having met in the 1990s at the University of Otago, they now live across New Zealand but were motivated to rally for Jake’s recovery. Despite their varied running backgrounds, they all committed to completing the challenging 42.2-kilometre marathon.

The run was particularly meaningful for the group, as it took place near Jake’s home, allowing him to attend and cheer them on. McAvinue expressed that thoughts of Jake inspired him through the tougher parts of the race. “When it started to hurt, just thinking about Jake being able to carry on with the sport he loves was a big motivation to get across the finish line,” he stated.

Remarkably, this marathon was a first for many of the runners. McAvinue, who had previously only run a maximum of 26 kilometres, finished the race just 25 seconds shy of his four-hour goal. He adorned his arms with messages of encouragement written by his children, which helped propel him forward.

The funds raised through this initiative will be directed towards acquiring adaptive sports equipment and facilitating events for Jake. A fundraising page on Givealittle dedicated to Jake revealed that he has not let his wheelchair hinder his enjoyment of sports. The page states, “being in a wheelchair hasn’t stopped the Wānaka teen from continuing to enjoy sports, hitting the tracks and slopes on adaptive ski gear.”

The initial fundraising target was set at $6,500, a goal that has already been surpassed, showcasing the community’s support for Jake and his journey. The fundraiser is set to close soon, and the momentum generated has brought together friends and supporters alike in a powerful show of solidarity.