Member Article

Disabled champion raises funds for Kielder charity

DETERMINED Debbie North is celebrating after becoming the first disabled person to successfully complete the coast-to-coast (C2C) challenge in an all-terrain wheelchair.

Debbie, from Lincolnshire, who suffers from chronic degeneration of the spine, completed the challenge over 14 days with husband Andy and also raised more than £4,000 for charity Calvert Trust Kielder which helps disabled adults, children and their families.

The husband and wife team’s journey started at St Bees, Cumbria in driving rain and gale force winds. They then spent the next two weeks travelling 193 miles before reaching the finishing line in Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire.

Former head teacher Debbie has been in a wheelchair since 2008 and decided to complete the challenge to show people living with a disability they can still enjoy the great outdoors.

Debbie said: “Before my illness I was a keen hill walker and I’ve never lost my love of getting out in the fresh air.

“It was tough going and a lot of hard work - not helped by the British weather, but Andy and I really enjoyed completing the challenge andusing the all-terrain wheelchair helped massively.

“We’ve had lots of support from our friends and family,and it’s particularly worthwhile to raise money for Calvert Trust Kielder as they do a wonderful job helping disabledadults, children and their families.”

Money raised by Debbie and Andy North will be used to help purchase an electrically powered off-road wheelchair to allow disabled people to experience life changing outdoor adventures at Calvert Trust Kielder.

Catherine Little, fundraising manager at Calvert Trust Kielder said: “We can’t thank Debbie and Andy enough for what they have done for us.

“Debbie is an inspiration and she has proven our motto ‘it’s what you CAN do that counts’.

“Through her fundraising, Debbie has brought much more awareness of what people with disabilities are capable of achieving.”

For more information about Calvert Trust Kielder and Debbie’s story please visit www.calvert-trust.org.uk/kielder

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Crulley .