SAM'S SCOOTATHON
Our epic 2026 fundraising challenge.
55 miles. Two days. Birmingham to Derby.
SAM'S 55 MILE
SCOOTATHON
Scoot for Sam. Scoot for families. Scoot for hope.
Join our flagship 2-day Scootathon as we kick scoot from Birmingham to Derby, raising vital funds for research, awareness and specialist family support for those affected by NORSE and FIRES.
Saturday 19 — Sunday 20 September 2026
Everything you need to know is just below.
55 MILES OVER 2 DAYS
NO BATTERY POWER
NO SHORT CUTS
JUST MUSCLE POWER
Complete the short form below to register your interest and we'll be in touch with everything you need to know about joining Team Sam.
It's more than a challenge — it's a chance to change the future.
Every mile helps fund pioneering research, raise awareness and provide specialist support for families facing NORSE and FIRES.
Thanks to supporters like you, we've already co-funded a pioneering £110,000 UK research project into NORSE and FIRES.
Every mile you scoot and every pound you raise helps bring hope to families and drives meaningful progress towards better understanding, treatment and support.
WHY A SCOOTER CHALLENGE?
Because Sam absolutely loved his scooter.
Sam's bright red scooter Micro scooter went everywhere with him and became part of who he was. Following Sam's death from FIRES in 2021, we wanted to create a fundraising challenge that was uniquely Sam.
Today, Sam's red scooter still leads the way.
It is carried on his mum's scooter throughout the journey, symbolising the little boy who inspired it all and reminding us why we ride.
Every mile is for Sam. Every mile is for families affected by NORSE and FIRES.
Sam helping carry home shopping on his scooter
SUPPORTED EVERY MILE OF THE WAY
How We'll Support You
From the moment you set off until you cross the finish line in Derby, you'll be supported every step of the way.
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Refreshments, water and snacks on route
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Experienced support team
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Support cyclists accompanying every group
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Backup vehicle for scooters, luggage and personal belongings
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Planned rest stops
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Overnight accommodation (optional extra)
Pace Groups
Whether you're a experienced scooter rider or taking on your first endurance challenge, you'll never be left behind.
Participants are divided into pace groups to everyone can scoot at a comfortable, enjoyable pace.
Every group is accompanied by support cyclists who guide the route and help keep everyone moving safely and confidently.
Your job is simple — enjoy the challenge, make memories, and scoot for hope. We'll take care of the rest.
NEW TO SCOOTING? WE'VE GOT YOU!
Whether you already own a scooter or you have never stepped on one before, we've got you covered.
Need a scooter? We'll lend you free of charge well in advance, so you have plenty of time to train and build confidence before the challenge.
No experience needed — just enthusiasm, determination, and a sense of adventure.
We hold regular group training sessions around Derby and the wider area, giving you the chance to meet your fellow participants, improve your technique and prepare together. Watch one of our training sessions and see what to expect.
A MESSAGE FROM DR KALIAKATSOS
Dr Kaliakatsos, Consultant Neurologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, is leading our £110,000 NORSE and FIRES research project. He shares why your support matters.
"FIRES patients and their families are etched in the clinician's heart forever. Scoot with us in Sam's memory to support further research. Let's make Sam one of the last children to lose their life or childhood to this devasting disease."
— Dr Marios Kaliakatsos
Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
Great Ormond Street Hospital
SAM'S SCOOTATHON IN ACTION!
Watch the highlights from our first-ever Scootathon in 2024 and discover what makes this challenge so special.
BECOME A SCOOTATHON SPONSOR
Interested in becoming one of our Supporters?
From just £50, your business can help power Sam's Scootathon and help us fund pioneering research, raise awareness and provide specialist support for families affected by NORSE and FIRES.
Discover how your business can help make a difference.
Download our Sponsorship Pack, meet our sponsors, or get in touch using the links below.
Every mile scooted in 2024 helped fund our pioneering £110,000 UK NORSE & FIRES research project.
READY TO START FUNDRAISING?
Kick start your fundraising by creating your own JustGiving page and linking it to Sam's Superheroes. Share your story, track your progress and inspire friends, family and colleagues to support you.
We ask everyone to aim for a minimum fundraising target of £300 to help us fund research, awareness and family support.
