DISABILITY campaigner Dave Thompson is set to “go the extra mile” again with a one mile scuba dive to help raise funds for the annual Disability Awareness Day in Warrington.
Last year Dave, founder and co-ordinator of the internationally acclaimed Warrington Disability Partnership, raised in excess of £6,700 from his marathon effort.
He will take the plunge again at Woolston Leisure Centre on February 25 when he aims to complete 66 lengths – not bad for someone who only has limited use of one arm after breaking his neck playing American football.
Dave, who received the MBE for services to disabled people in 2001, 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.
An estimated 30,000 people attended last year’s event at Walton Gardens, following a week of activities around the town.
“The response I got from last year’s scuba dive was incredible,” said Dave. “I didn’t need much motivation to take up the challenge again.”
Dave will be joined by his regular “dive buddy” and DAD Stewards Controller, Graham Horton, who has recently undergone hip replacement surgery and Dave Molyneux, DAD videographer who has also experienced long term health problems including mental illness and a quadrupal heart bypass. All three underline the ethos that Scuba is a sport for all.
Experienced and novice divers are invited to join in the challenge. All equipment hire is provided free by our sponsor – Terry Wood from Cybaqua, Warrington’s premier diving store. (www.cybaqaua.co.uk)
Donations can be made online at http://www.justgiving.com/scuba2012
MeanwhileWDP are also looking for others to help with fund-raising by going the extra mile.This can be in a variety of ways from walking, cycling, jogging, swimming – the choice is yours!
Any one who would like to take part in the challenge or to help with fund-raising should call 01925 240064 or email [email protected]
5 Comments
when the Olympic torch comes to Town I hope Dave is there passing it on? Also he should be present to the Queen in May
Good luck Dave – you are an inspiration to us all – keep up the good work.
To the Queen in May? Eh?
She is coming to Town
Where, when and how? I missed have missed that, has it been announced?