A SPORTS fan is donating thousands of pounds to worthy causes after completing 50 sports in his 50th year.
Grimsby-born Stuart Batchelor, who now lives in Tamworth, was a member of Grimsby Harriers Athletics Club for ten years, and says the past 12 months have been "amazing".
During that time, he has taken part in sports ranging from boccia to water polo at venues across the country.
Now, after competing in a rounders game at Rosliston Forestry Centre in the National Forest to round off the challenge, his charities are around £3,500 better off.
Three quarters of this will go towards hospices in Sheffield and Shropshire that have offered invaluable support to friends and family affected by cancer.
The rest is being pumped back into grassroots sport in South Derbyshire, supporting talented young athletes in the county, where he is responsible for sport and leisure at a local council.
Stuart will also be donating to junior sports clubs, including Grimsby Harriers Athletics Club, where his sporting career all started.
Stuart also believes the links forged with individuals and clubs will stand the area in good stead for years to come.
He said: "Completing 50 sports in my 50th year proved really good fun and I've been fortunate enough to meet some wonderful individuals.
"What has struck me is the generosity of people, who can't do enough to help you and go out of their way to give you a glimpse into their hobby, their passion.
"I have made some good friends on the back of these experiences and go away with memories that will last me a lifetime.
"The most fun was cycling and BMX at the Manchester Velodrome – we were followed onto the track by the British Cycling Team who looked superb and very professional, but also fun was wheelchair basketball which was a real team sport and brought everyone to the same level.
"Through developing friendly links with clubs and experiencing new sports, it can only benefit local sport as we look to create an Olympic legacy. Just as important is the difference this will make to the other causes close to my heart and I would like to thank everyone who made this possible."
Another magical moment for Stuart involved running five miles around the Olympic Park, finishing on the track graced by Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis a year before.
The father-of-two also managed to conquer his fear of heights by paragliding over a 6,000 foot mountain while on a family holiday in Turkey.
"I am definitely healthier and fitter and will resume doing triathlons but I also have committed to entering a team of four rowers into next year's Burton Regatta – not quite Pinsent and Redgrave, but it will be quite a challenge."
Anyone wanting to donate can do so at www.virginmoneygiving.com/stuartbatchelor
ON THE WEB: Tell us about your achievements for charity at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/charities
