WHEELRACE FOR LIFE

Published by webmaster for Salisbury District Council in Communities

Sunday 10 September sees the launch of a new fundraising event for wheelchair users in Salisbury.

The Wheelrace for Life is a four-mile sponsored “walk” for people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Participants are being asked to seek sponsorship and help raise money for state-of-the-art equipment for the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre at Salisbury District Hospital.

Salisbury Shopmobility manager Marion Barton came up with the idea for the event after several Shopmobility members showed an interest in taking part in something similar to the famous Race for Life.

Marion commented, “Very few sponsored events in the city are accessible for people who use wheelchairs or powered equipment. The Wheelrace will change that as it is being planned especially with disabled people in mind. We are hoping it will prove popular with our members and all other wheelchair and mobility scooter users in the area”.

Starting at the Salisbury Shopmobility centre in The Maltings, participants will travel to the Five Rivers Leisure Centre where they will do at least one circuit of the athletic track before returning to The Maltings. Friends and family are welcome to accompany participants around the four-mile course.

Participants will receive a ‘goodie bag’ from the Salisbury branch of Keep Able, the mobility aids specialists.

Cllr Dennis Brown, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport, said: “Shopmobility provides a fantastic service to people with mobility difficulties and this is a great initiative. The Wheelrace looks like being a lot of fun, as well as being a good way to raise funds for the spinal treatment centre and I hope that as many people as possible will come forward to take part. “

Anyone interested in participating should contact Marion Barton on 01722 328068 for a registration form and information pack. Marion would also be pleased to hear from anyone who could act as a marshal on the day.

Participants can be sponsored at www.justgiving.com/wheelraceforlife or by contacting 01722 429005.

ENDS 

Press release issued 24 July 2006