Yorkshire actor takes on 24-hour endurance challenge to support Deaf children
A Yorkshire actor with strong ties to Doncaster is preparing to take on an intense 24-hour running challenge to raise funds for The Carr Fenton Foundation, supporting the next generation of Deaf children.
Adam Bassett (44), who himself is deaf, will take part in Endure24 Leeds on 4–5 July – a relay race which sees teams running continuously over a full 24-hour period.
Adam, originally from Hull but who now lives in North Yorkshire, will be part of a five-person team, taking turns to run laps day and night in what is widely regarded as one of the UK’s toughest endurance events.
I was a pupil at the school myself, so it is very close to my heart. I want to give something back to a place that supported me and so many other Deaf children.
Adam Bassett
The challenge holds deep personal significance for Adam, who was a pupil at Doncaster School for Deaf Children - part of The Carr Fenton Foundation, which is a registered charity – from 1987-1997.
Adam said: “I was a pupil at the school myself, so it is very close to my heart. I want to give something back to a place that supported me and so many other Deaf children.
“I’m particularly keen to help raise funds for modern IT equipment and technology. Access to up-to-date technology can make a real difference, improving communication, learning, independence, and future opportunities for Deaf children.”
Adam, who works as a freelance actor across theatre, television and film, also supports the Deaf community through his work as a British Sign Language (BSL) consultant and drama workshop facilitator.
An experienced runner, Adam has completed around 171 parkruns and multiple 10K events, recently achieving a personal best at the Leeds 10K. He trains two to three times a week, building endurance and preparing for the varied terrain expected during the race. And despite having already completed challenges including Tough Mudder 5K and the Doncaster 10K last year in support of the school, he describes Endure24 as a significant step up.
Adam added: “I’ve always wanted to take on an endurance challenge like this and it’s been on my bucket list for some time. It will definitely be tough, especially with running through the night and the unpredictability of the weather and trails. I am a little nervous about how my body will cope with repeated laps over 24 hours, but I’m very determined to reach the finish line – especially knowing I’m doing it for such an important cause.
“The school has played an incredibly important role in my life, not only when I was a pupil but also through ongoing connections such as drama workshops and community work. I feel very proud to be able to give something back. Thank you so much to everyone who donates or supports this challenge, it truly means a great deal to me and I hope it helps make a real difference for the next generation of Deaf children.”
Through his efforts, Adam is aiming to raise at least £1,000, contributing towards a wider fundraising target of £20,000 to invest in new technology and IT equipment for Doncaster School for Deaf Children.
The Carr Fenton Foundation provides specialist education, care and support for Deaf children and young people, continuing a longstanding legacy of empowering them to thrive.
Becca Lynch, fundraising officer at The Carr Fenton Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Adam for taking on such a demanding challenge in support of our work. Fundraising efforts like this make a real and lasting difference, helping us to provide the resources and technology that enable deaf children to communicate, learn and thrive.
“Adam’s connection to the school makes this even more special, and we are so proud to have him supporting the Foundation and our school in this way. We wish him the very best of luck for the challenge and will be cheering him on every step of the way.”
To support Adam’s fundraising, donations can be made via his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/adam24endure
To find out more about the Carr Fenton Foundation, visit: https://thecarrfentonfoundation.org.uk