Warrington Disability Partnership kicked off this year’s ‘Going the Extra Mile Challenges’ with a super Scuba event at Woolston Neighbourhood Hub on Saturday 25 February.  The money raised will go towards funding for the 21st anniversary of Disability Awareness Day (DAD) on 15 July 2012 at Walton Hall and Gardens.

 

A team of over 30 people took part in the event with 7 experienced divers taking up the ‘Going the Extra Mile Challenge’, 14 novice divers completing the ‘Try Dive’ together with 10 staff and volunteers from the Cheshire Scuba Academy who provided expert supervision.

 

Event co-ordinator and founder of WDP Dave Thompson MBE DL successfully completed the mile beating his time last year with a new personal best of 1 hour and 49 minutes. Dave is a full-time wheelchair user since sustaining a spinal injury playing American football in 1989. This left him with limited use in his left arm and none in his right arm or legs. Dave’s dive buddy, Graham Horton, who is waiting for a hip replacement operation, also completed the mile in just over an hour. They were joined this year by Dave Molyneux, a WDP and DAD volunteer who less than 2 years ago underwent a quadruple heart bypass operation.   

 

Everyone involved in the Mile Challenge were tired, stiff and sore, but still smiling, as they exited the pool to cheers from the crowd. "I'm aching all over now but I was determined not to give up," said a jubilant Dave.

 

Terry Wood, from Cheshire Scuba Academy, provided all the equipment and special thanks go to the Dive Team for their expert help, tuition and support in this event.

 

Special thanks also to Warrington Borough Council staff at Woolston Neighbourhood Hub, divers, friends and family for going the extra mile and making it a memorable and inspirational evening.

Please donate today!

For more details about joining contact WDP's fundraising team on 01925 240064 or email Dave direct on dave.thompson@5bp.nhs.uk