Watford, 13 March 2024 – Olympic medallist and former-world record hurdler Colin Jackson has come together alongside Allwyn UK, operator of The National Lottery, to encourage people in the UK to take part in the 2024 Wings for Life World Run on 5 May. Jackson, Wings for Life International Sports Director, gave a rallying call during a visit to Allwyn UK’s head office on Tolpits Lane to launch its participation in the 2024 race. Allwyn UK is part of Allwyn, the leading multi-national lottery operator and official global partner of the Wings for Life World Run.

 Commenting on his visit, Jackson said: “It’s amazing to see how much the Wings for Life World Run has matured and captured the hearts and minds of those participating during my time as race director. Having hundreds of thousands of people around the world unite at the same time, raising over €43 million to date to fund life-changing spinal cord research, will never fail to amaze me. Seeing and speaking to Allwyn UK’s staff here in Watford, seeing how they are engaged with the race, really elevates the excitement of what we can achieve if we all come together to run for those who can’t.”

 Allwyn’s Chief People Officer, Sam Sheriff, said: “Days like today reaffirm Allwyn UK’s goal to change lives, a little or a lot, but always for the better through our operation of The National Lottery. The transformative impact of the Wings for Life Foundation’s work in funding vital research into finding a cure for spinal cord injuries is clear to see, and Colin’s inspiring visit today has helped our team understand this. I speak on behalf of all my Allwyn UK colleagues when I say that we are proud to support this important cause –particularly as The National Lottery funds important research in this area as well, with over £5 million raised by National Lottery players to date to support projects that help people affected by spinal cord injuries.”

 Colin also visited Allwyn’s communities fayre and saw firsthand how the eight colleague communities all play an important role in building an inclusive workplace at Allwyn, and help to connect colleagues with each other. The eight communities each had a pop-up stand on the day to showcase their purpose. They included: the Ability Community, Culture Community, Green Team, Mental Health First Aiders, Parents' Community, Pride Community, Sports & Social Community and Women's Community.

 Established in 2014, The Wings for Life World Run is a unique global race. All participants start at the same time, worldwide. There is no finish line, and instead the virtual Catcher Car begins its chase 30 minutes after the start and increases in speed, passing participants one by one until the race ends. Once overtaken, you are a finisher. With hundreds of thousands wheeling, running and walking at the same time, it is the world’s largest simultaneous race.

 100% of all entry fees and donations are given to scientific research and clinical studies worldwide to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The run is organised by Wings for Life, a non-profit foundation which has raised €43m for scientific research since 2014, investing in 299 projects in 20 countries.

 For more information about Allwyn UK visit https://www.allwyn.co.uk/,or Wings for Life World Run, please visit, or https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en.To sign up to take part in this year’s race, please visit https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en/locations.

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