I'm running ten 10ks across Europe in just 5 days for Altrincham FC - the beer at end will be worth it

Yet one young Altrincham fan is putting many of us to shame. Joseph Adams, 21, is taking on a mammoth running challenge with the hopes of raising money for the club. 

Joseph, who has Down Syndrome, is taking on the ‘No Limits’ challenge which involves running ten 10ks in five days. Each challenge  will also take place across different European countries. 

The fundraising campaign is very much a family affair, with Joseph running alongside his parents and three sisters. After reaching pledges and sponsorship of £180,000, he has raised his target up to £250,000.

Joseph's father, Phil, said: “When Joseph was born, his mum and I were told about all the things he wouldn’t be able to do because he has Down Syndrome, but we vowed to take a No Limits approach to what he could do and 21 years later, we couldn’t be prouder of him.

“He’s gone on to pursue his many passions from football to dancing to skiing to rugby to Special Olympics swimming, winning multiple gold medals including one at the 2023 UK Down Syndrome National Swimming Championships. 

“Ironically, he hates running and hadn’t really tried before taking on this latest challenge but what we’ve all learned over the years is that Joseph has been able to achieve a huge amount more than we might have expected when we ignore perceived wisdom.” 

Joseph said: “I am really looking forward to visiting lots of countries and running with my family and I can't wait for a beer at the finish!” 

The “No Limits” campaign was created to highlight an individual’s true potential – exploring what someone can do, rather than making assumptions on what they can’t do.  A number of businesses such as Castore, Travel Counsellors, Houlihan Lokey, DMR, FK Group and Farrat have lent their support to Joseph’s Challenge and the No Limits campaign. 

Altrincham front-of-shirt sponsor AO and it’s Founder and CEO, John Roberts alongside his wife Sally, have donated £30,000 between them to the cause. 

Mr Roberts: “Joseph is an incredibly inspiring young person so when we heard about his epic fundraising challenge to help other people realise their potential through Altrincham FC Community Sports, we simply had to throw our support firmly behind him.”

Joseph’s challenge will start on August 27 in Amsterdam. He will return to Altrincham on September 1. You can donate to the fundraiser by visiting Joseph’s GoFundMe page

Joseph’s running schedule 

• Tuesday August 27 – Amsterdam and Liege
• Wednesday August 28 – Luxembourg and Stuttgart
• Thursday August 29– Bregenz and Zurich
• Friday August 30 – Como and Monaco
• Saturday 31 August – Nice
• Sunday 1 September – Altrincham