FORMER soldier Tom Coleridge is urging others to join him and “Walk in the Park” at Warrington Disability Partnership’s annual event.
Tom, aged 26, who was injured during active service in Afghanistan, is now WDP’s Disability Information Officer and was one of the first to sign up for this Sunday’s event, which takes place between 12noon and 3pm through Sankey Valley Park. The Deputy Mayor Councillor Karen Mundry will formally start the walkers at 12noon.
Tom will complete the 5k circuit that begins and ends at WDP’s headquarters – the Centre for Independent Living on Evelyn Street, off Liverpool Road – and takes in the scenic Sankey Canal. WDP will be holding a Family Fun Day with stalls from local charities including Warrington Wolves Foundation, Warrington Sea Cadets, Beyond Scars, St Mark Universal Copts Care and more. Together they will be offering a range of fun activities and games for all ages
“I’ve set myself the challenge to complete two laps, which is 10k in total,” says Tom, who took part last year. “I’ll be using a wheelchair with a hand bike attachment to do it – and that’s the great thing about this particular challenge.
“The course is accessible to walkers of all abilities, pushchairs, wheelchairs and scooters. Stewards will be available along the route. You can walk; push; even jog or run it if you want to. You set your own pace and distance, bring your pets, or wear fancy dress. Participants pay a £5 registration fee per person to WDP and can then choose their own charity to fundraise for through sponsorship. Alternatively, they can pay the registration fee and simply take part for the enjoyment and exercise.
“Everyone gets a medal and a certificate,” says Dave Thompson MBE DL, Chief Executive and Founder of the user-led social enterprise. Refreshments will be available from WDP’s Galleries Café. We look forward to welcoming lots of people to what should be a fun event for all.
For more information on ‘A Walk in the Park’ and to register, call Kate or Brun on 01925 240064 or visit http://www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk/events/walkinpark.shtml
or follow @wdpcomms #walkinthepark on Twitter.
Picture shows Tom Coleridge (front right) and participants from fundraising group “The Duck Pond” after finishing last year’s Walk in the Park.
