Trailblazing social entrepreneur and founder of Tailored Leisure Company (TLC) Tara Mackings BEM is set to embark on her biggest challenge yet at this year’s Great North Run.  In a powerful display of determination and hope, Tara, who set up our multi-award-winning charity due to her own experience of living with cerebral palsy, will attempt to stand as she crosses the finish line of the Great North Run this September — challenging expectations and raising vital funds. 

After completing the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields in a wheelchair, Tara will stand supported for the final step across the finish line — a symbolic and deeply personal act.

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Tara Mackings BEM, Director, Tailored Leisure Company said:

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“The Great North Run is more than just a race – it’s a platform to tell powerful stories, raise awareness, and make a real difference to the lives of those we support. When I cross the finish line, I want to show people that strength comes in many forms, and if that moment gives just one person hope or motivation, it’s worth the stand.”

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Since June last year Tara has used our regular Sit to be Fit classes alongside the support of her PT Trainer who runs seated circuit classes with AT ONE train to support Tara in the challenge.

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As a passionate advocate for the community, since inception Tara has been at the helm of TLC, our charity is renowned in the North East for our ethos and vision to overcome the barriers and social exclusion faced by disabled people, specifically in terms of access to fitness and leisure activities. 

This is not the first time Tara has challenged herself, in 2021 Tara took on the incredible challenge of standing from her wheelchair for 24 hours over five days, a monumental moment which saw Tara stand for the first time in over two decades, and for the first time in front of her teenage children. 

Now, Tara is pushing herself to new limits by participating in the 13.1-mile half marathon via wheelchair ahead of the final stand— one of the world’s most famous running events — to show what’s possible when barriers are broken and people come together.

Accessible leisure is at the forefront of the operations here at TLC and we run a number of high- profile accessible fitness programmes alongside the Access for All campaign, a funding drive to support the development of an accessible short break and leisure service ‘The Butterfly of the North’ for individuals with disabilities and their families, supporting over 6,500 people in the region since inception.

 

Here at Tailored Leisure Company we have picked up an influx of award nominations for our ground-breaking work and have established a strong collaborative working approach to drive the development of projects across the region, with partners including SAFCs Foundation of Light, Sunderland City Council and key support from the Community Lottery Fund. 

 

The fundraising drive is very time-sensitive for our CEO Tara who has been full-throttle with her training for the Great North Run. Tara is thankful to Heal & Toe who have allocated her a space to also support children with her condition. The sponsored place is vital for both her own personal challenge, Heel and Toe and to raise funds to keep TLC’s accessible caravan in Northumberland running and open for families in the region to ensure ongoing access. 

 

Tara added:

 

“As a young Mam of two children and living with cerebral palsy I know only too well the daily fight families face for support and the simple things in life. 

 

Being pushed in the run was not enough for me, this is about more than just crossing the finish line, it’s about showing that disability doesn’t define limits. I believe we can all achieve our ability with the right support and I’m so grateful for the team around me. I am in awe at the generosity we have received to date, we’ve raised nearly £2,000 in funds so far, and Spanish City have kindly pledged to double the funds. 

 

When I stand at the finish line with the support of Mark Beckham Coaching and Michelle Brown who have been with me on this journey from the start, I invite all my supporters to stand with me to raise awareness, inspire others, and generate the much-needed funds of £20,000 to keep our accessible caravan open to the public and to continue our work in the region.”

 

Supporters can follow Tara’s journey on social media and donate here:

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