A Carlisle solicitors office is backing a county-wide competition offering school children the chance to win one of two bikes.
Wragg Mark-Bell is getting behind local man Charles Deans’ attempt to travel the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats in his wheelchair to raise money for two local charities.
Part of that fundraising campaign will also include a competition for all primary school children in Cumbria to design a T-shirt for Mr Deans to wear on the final leg of his journey, which is set to be completed on local roads in the coming weeks.
Two bicycles have been donated by Keswick Bikes and the Castle Street law firm as prizes.
Wragg Mark-Bell director Nick Kennon said: “When we heard about Charles’ challenge, we were only too happy to help.
“His journey is an incredibly inspiring one, and hopefully in donating some great prizes for the competition we can inspire some much-needed donations for two very deserving local causes too.”
Mr Deans, 46, from Wigton, was paralysed 16 years ago and has no feelings in his legs after two spinal operations were unsuccessful.
In recent months he has climbed two Wainwrights – Dodd Fell and Latrigg – with his family, and now the dad-of-two has begun a challenge to travel 874 miles on local roads.
The journey represents the distance from Britain’s most southerly to northerly points.
He aims to raise £50,000 with the virtual challenge, the T-shirt competition and a number of other initiatives, with the money to be shared between Eden Valley Hospice and the Lake District Calvert Trust.
Charles said: “These two charities are very close to my heart. They provide invaluable care, compassion and support to the Cumbrian community.
“Asking for help is never easy for anyone and more so now with the current situation these charities need our help now. I’m asking for your help as I can’t do this on my own.
“I’m no athlete but I am determined to make a difference!”
The T-shirt designing competition is open to all primary school children in Cumbria, with two entry levels: Age 4-7 and age 8-11.
A winner in each category will receive a mountain bike courtesy of Wragg Mark Bell Solicitors and Keswick Bikes.
Entry is via a voluntary £2 donation, all proceeds will be shared equally between Eden Valley Hospice and The Calvert Trust.
The deadline is Sunday, February 28 and entries can be made by submitting a photograph of your completed T-shirt design to [email protected]
