STORY
NEWS
81-YEAR-OLD CROWNED BRITISH MASTERS POWERLIFTING CHAMPION
David Wallis, a retired database consultant from Hildenborough, won gold in the under 93kg M4( 70 +) category at the British Masters Classic Powerlifting Championships. Remarkably, the event was only David’ s second competition, having made his powerlifting debut in November 2025.
DEMELZA’ S NEW WEBSITE WINS INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY AWARD
Demelza’ s new website has been recognised on the international stage after winning Best Designed Site at the Umbraco Awards 2026.
Designed by Tunbridge Wells-based agency YoYo Design, the website launched in October last year and was praised for its accessibility, usability and engaging design.
Demelza, which provides expert clinical care, emotional support and practical help to children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families across Kent, South East London and East Sussex, commissioned the redesign as part of its five-year strategy to increase the use of digital technology across the organisation.
Despite being the oldest competitor in his weight category, David proved age is no barrier to success. After undergoing a full hip replacement in 2023, competing at national level was far from his mind- let alone becoming a British champion.
David opened with a 60kg lift before securing a 2.5kg competition personal best on his third attempt, having retaken a lift after mishearing some of the judges’ commands.
“ Having three generations of support from my family, there was no hesitation to join fellow competitors at the masters in Edinburgh and I thoroughly enjoyed the day,” said David.“ It took some canny Body Mentors encouragement to convince me at 81 that I should enter a powerlifting competition.”
David is now looking ahead to defend his title in 2027, showing no signs of slowing down.
The aim of the new site was to create a more inclusive and intuitive online experience, helping families and healthcare professionals connect with the charity more effectively.
Judges said YoYo had created a warm, playful and approachable website which beautifully mirrors Demelza’ s physical spaces, while providing a highly flexible editing experience for the back-office team.
“ We’ re absolutely delighted to have won this international award,” said senior marketing manager, Emilie Bowes-Read.“ Our new site is faster, more accessible and more user-friendly, and everyone has been so pleased with it.”
YOUNG FUNDRAISER TAKES ON 6.8KM CHALLENGE
Five-year-old Rosie is taking on a 6.8km scooter challenge to help raise funds for Yalding boy, Sid Cooke, who is living with a rare genetic condition.
As a baby, Sid was treated with the £ 1.8 million gene therapy Zolgensma, believed to be the world’ s most expensive treatment, after being diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1. While there is currently no cure for the condition, medication and therapies can help improve strength and flexibility. However, much of the specialist equipment and many therapies must be funded privately by families.
“ Sid is a wheelchair user,” said Rosie’ s mother, Michelle.“ We explained to Rosie that he has a condition which means that he can’ t walk well and that his family is raising funds to help adapt his home to make it easier for them.
“ We were renovating her bedroom and she became quite emotional about the fact that she could access her new bedroom easily and Sid couldn’ t get to his in the same way. She said she wanted to help raise some money and so we came up with the idea of a lap of Leybourne Lakes Country Park- a 6.8km route- in her favourite princess dress.”
The family is also being supported by children’ s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise funds for children and young people who need medical treatments and healthcare services not freely available to them. The charity provides fundraising guidance, campaign development, financial management and emotional support.
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