'I was paralysed on New Year's Eve- now 450 Orpington runners are fundraising for me'

Yahoo

07-06-2025

Hundreds of runners are preparing to take on a challenging 10K route through the trails of High Elms Country Park this weekend — with every step helping raise money for a young man whose life changed forever on New Year's Eve.
The annual High Elms 10K, hosted by Orpington Road Runners, takes place on Sunday, June 8, and will see up to 450 people take part in a demanding single-lap course through woodland and countryside near Cudham.
This year's event is being held in aid of Harry Magee, 24, who was left paralysed from the shoulders down after a fall at his university home in Portsmouth in 2023.
Orpington Road Runners, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, selected Harry as its fundraising cause for 2025 — a deeply personal choice for the club whose members have known Harry and his family for many years.
Kim Chance, a long-time member of the club and one of the key organisers, told the News Shopper: 'Harry is the most amazing, amazing human being.
"Through all this adversity, he doesn't complain. He's just positive. I have to say I've never met anyone like him.
'When you meet him, you walk away smiling. You come away feeling uplifted. That's just the kind of person he is.'
Profits made from race entries and donations will go towards a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to help give Harry greater independence.
Harry at Victorious fesitval (Image: Kim Chance)
The van will need to be large enough to transport Harry, his powered chair, medical equipment and a full-time carer, and will come with ongoing costs.
The club hopes Sunday's event will give a significant boost to their total, which currently stands at more than £12,000 following several successful fundraising evenings.
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Speaking ahead of the race, Kim said preparations were well underway and the team was looking forward to welcoming runners from across the area.
She explained: 'The 10K is on the morning on Sunday – we have got up to 450 runners running. We're nearly at capacity as it stands.
'It's always a really, really good day. We have lots of marshals, first aid, ambulance crew, music – it's really fun.
'Everybody always comments every year how friendly and how supportive the marshals are. We've even got music at different points in the course to keep people motivated and keep them going.'
Club volunteers from last years 10K (Image: Kim Chance)
Harry's father, Peter Magee, is also a long-standing member of the club and has helped organise many of its events over the years.
When members were asked to choose a fundraising focus for the year, the decision was instant and unanimous.
Kim added: 'This year, all the members voted for Harry. It was a very easy decision. Everyone knows Pete, and a lot of us know Harry as well.
'He played rugby with my son, and he went to Wilmington Grammar. We've watched him grow up.
'He's a very, very smart young man. I tell him he must have a brain the size of a planet.'
Now, with the support of his family, friends and the club community, Harry is set to return to university later this year to begin a master's degree in project management.
As well as the 10K on Sunday, the club has other events planned to continue fundraising throughout the year, including quiz nights, wine tastings, and participation in the Great South Run in October.
Every penny raised is helping bring Harry closer to a more independent life — and keeping his incredible spirit in the hearts of all who know him.
The club was founded 40 years ago by a handful of local runners who first gathered at a lamppost near a local pub, Orpington Road Runners has since grown into a thriving club with over 400 members.
While it began as a road running group, its location near the North Downs has allowed it to offer extensive trail running too, with regular group sessions on Tuesdays and throughout the week.
From complete beginners to seasoned marathoners and ultra-distance athletes, the club now supports runners of all abilities, and is known for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere and strong community spirit.
Orpington Road Runners has since grown into a thriving club with over 400 members (Image: Kim Chance)
Kim, who has been part of the club for over a decade, said the impact on her life has been huge.
She added: 'I do feel very proud to be a part of it and it had a massive impact on my personal life.
'There are lifelong friendships made every day. When you're running along, you can just chat to somebody – and then you move along and chat to someone else.
'It's a very friendly place.'
To support the fundraiser, visit the Orpington Road Runners fundraising page. You can also support Orpington Road Runners by attending the High Elms to cheer on the runners.