Jessica Lewis has once again partnered with WindReach Bermuda to host a special money-raising, 28-mile challenge.

To help celebrate her 28th birthday, Bermuda’s two-times Paralympian wheelchair sprinter is encouraging people to help her raise funds for WindReach as she rolls 28 miles, all while maintaining her rigorous training for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

The Rolling for WindReach event will run from April 3 to May 1, with participants having the entire period to complete the 28 miles. The total mileage can be completed by an individual or as a team. The first 150 registrations will receive an event T-shirt.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than to kick off this challenge to support such an amazing and important organisation here in our community,” Lewis said.

“I was so thrilled with how last year’s event turned out, thanks to all those who participated and/or donated. I can only see it being bigger and better this year.

“The staff at WindReach put their heart and souls into the work they do every day to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, including mine.

“Because of that, it was a no-brainer to me to team up with them again for the second annual Rolling for WindReach to give back even just a little of what they give to me and others.”

Ahead of the second instalment of the event, Tammalita Joseph, Fund Development Manager, highlighted the success of last year’s fundraiser.

“Jessica was the brainchild behind a very successful Rolling for WindReach last year. With the community’s support, we were able to raise in excess of $15,000,” she said.

“Last year’s event was held just as Bermuda was feeling the initial impact of Covid-19 and we were gradually emerging out of shelter-in-place.

“We had not quite gotten use to our new virtual norm and now it would seem that events, as we knew them, have changed for the unforeseeable future. With this in mind, it was determined that we would host this year’s event virtually as well.”

Joseph continued: “It’s so exciting to hear of groups that are planning to register and complete a total of 280 miles.

“Participants can track their progress on our event page at Race Day World, take photos and tag us in them with our social-media handle — windreachbermuda.

“We are very grateful for our sponsor, Butterfield & Vallis, and we encourage corporate teams, business groups and others to register and help Jessica to celebrate her 28th birthday, while supporting WindReach’s educational and therapeutic programmes.”

• Donations can also be made via online transfer to the HSBC account WindReach, 010-857621-001. For more information, visit www.windreach.bm or search for WindReachBermuda on social-media platforms Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn