SAM'S SCOOTATHON. TWO DAYS. 55 MILES. PURE DETERMINATION.
Sam's Scootathon is an epic kick scooter challenge that takes you from Aston University in Birmingham all the way to Sam's hometown of Derby. No electric scooters, no shortcuts, just muscle power, teamwork and an incredible shared purpose.
Along the way we raise awareness of NORSE and FIRES, share Sam's story, and spark conversations in every community we pass through.
It's a challenge, an adventure, and a movement all rolled into one.
Are you in?
EQUIPMENT & FULL SUPPORT
Already have your own scooter and helmet? Great — you’re good to go!
If not, don't worry. We've got you covered!
We'll provide everything you need at no extra cost, including your scooter in advance so you have time to train and feel confident ahead of the challenge.
Across the two days you'll be fully supported with:
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Snacks and water throughout
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A dedicated support team
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A backup van to transport scooters and personal belongings
You'll also scoot as part of one of our pace groups, participants split into 2—3 groups across the event so everyone can ride at a comfortable pace.
Each group is led by a support cyclist who acts as your guide, so you'll never be on your own — you just focus on the exhilarating scoot and enjoying the experience.
All you need to bring is your determination — we'll take care of the rest!
No experience needed — just a willingness to take on the challenge!
We ask each participant to commit to raising a minimum of £300 to support our vital work.
"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 due to this devasting disease."
Dr Kaliakatsos
Consultant Neurologist | Great Ormond Street Hospital
START YOUR FUNDRAISING JOURNEY
Kick off your fundraising for the Scootathon by creating your own personal JustGiving fundraising page. Link it to our charity page (charity no1210458) to track your progress, share your story, and personalise your fundraising journey.
We ask everyone to aim for a minimum of £300, helping us make every mile count.
Don't Forget Gift Aid
When you share your fundraising page, remind your supporters to tick the Gift Aid box when they donate. It costs them nothing but means we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 given, making your fundraising go even further.
REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES
Sam's Scootathon is held in loving memory of Sam Liew, who was just five years old when FIRES took his life.
Every mile we scoot and every pound raised helps fund vital research into NORSE and FIRES, raises awareness, and supports families facing the unimaginable.
Read their stories here.
WHAT IS NORSE & FIRES?
New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) and Febrile Infection Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES) are rare, life-threatening neurological emergencies that cause the sudden onset of relentless, non-stop seizures, without a clear underlying cause.
They strike without warning, in previously healthy people, often after something as simple as a mild illness. They most commonly affect children and young adults.
Within hours or days, seizures escalate rapidly and become extremely difficult — sometimes impossible — to stop. Many patients spend weeks or months in intensive care, placed into medically induced comas as doctors fight to stop the seizures and protect the brain from damage.
The outcomes are often devastating.
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Around 1 in 5 people do not survive
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There is currently no cure
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The underlying cause is still poorly understood
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While some recover, many survivors are left with lifelong neurological disability, chronic epilepsy, and complex long-term care needs
NORSE and FIRES change lives in an instant — leaving families searching for answers, and a future that looks very different from the one they once knew.
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OUR EVENT SPONSORS
Behind every mile of this event are the sponsors who’ve helped make it possible. We’re incredibly thankful for their generosity and belief in what we’re doing.
If your business would like to support the event, please contact us on rachel@samssuperheroes.co.uk
