Dave goes through pain barrier

DISABILITY campaigner Dave Thompson went through the pain barrier to complete a one mile scuba dive to help cover a funding shortfall for the 20th anniversary of Disability Awareness Day.
Dave founder and co-ordinator of the internationally acclaimed Warrington Disability Partnership took the plunge at Fordton Leisure Centre despite being told he should have his leg in plaster after damaging ankle ligaments!
But Dave persuaded hospital staff not to put him in plaster until after he completed the “Go the Extra Mile” challenge to help raise funds towards a £10,000 funding gap caused by the impending demise of its main sponsor, the North West Development Agency.
Dave duly completed the challenge, despite feeling his shoulder click after just 10 of the 66 lengths required to cover one mile. It took him two hours 10 minutes to complete the challenge.
“I’m feeling a bit stiff and sore now but I was determined not to give up,” said Dave.
“Earlier in the week I visited out patients at Warrington Hospital because my ankle had swollen to double its normal size. An x-ray revealed damaged ligaments and they wanted to put me in plaster – but I persuaded them to leave it until after the event!”
Dave, who received the MBE for services to disabled people in 2001, decided to kick-start the challenge himself – with the ambitious one mile scuba dive – a challenge for most people, but even more so for Dave who has been a full-time wheelchair user since breaking his neck playing American football in 1989.
This left him with only limited use in his left arm and none in his right arm or legs.
The accident resulted in Dave setting up Warrington Disability Partnership, followed by Disability Awareness Day, which has become the largest voluntary led disability showcase in Europe.
Nearly 30,000 people attended last year’s event at Walton Gardens, following a week of activities around the town.
Donations can still be made on line by visiting www.justgiving.co.uk/scubachallenge
WDP are now looking for others to help with fund-raising.
Any one who would like to take part in a future challenge or to help with fund-raising should call 01925 240064 or email [email protected]