Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) is a user led organisation which offers a wide range of services aimed at supporting mobility and independent living. Originally launched in 1991WDP has a team of over 50 staff and nearly 200 volunteers. One of the services we offer is the internationally acclaimed Disability Awareness Day (DAD). For more details about WDP visit www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk

DAD is recognised as the world's largest 'not for profit' voluntary-led pan disability independent living exhibition. In 2016 we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary. DAD now attracts over 22,000 visitors each year. The event site is built around a huge tented village costing tens of thousands of pounds to fund. For more details about DAD visit our website www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

In an attempt to raise funds to support DAD we organise a number of events including our 'Going the Extra Mile Scuba Challenge' which involves qualified divers and provides opportunities for beginners to undertake a supervised ‘try dive’.   

The Team at WDP is led by Dave Thompson MBE. Dave sustained a spinal cord injury to his neck whilst playing American Football in 1989 and has since been a full time wheelchair user with limited use in his left arm and none in his right arm or legs. In 2013 Dave undertook the Scuba Challenge using a Poseidon Rebreather System. His best time to date is two hours and twenty minutes.  

Dave will be joined by a number of friends including 23 year old ex-serviceman Tom Coleridge, also a full time wheelchair user since sustaining a spinal cord injury to his back after being shot in Afghanistan in 2010. Tom’s injury left him paralysed from the waist. His best time so far is just under two hours. Other members of the team currently include; Dave's dive buddies Dave Williams, John Munslow and Dave Greenall. Plus WIRE FM's Dominic Walker, Warrington Village Hotel's General Manager Donn Timmons and ACE Chair Mark Fuller. 

The Scuba Challenge will include a 64 length (One mile) pool dive for qualified divers (PADI or BSAC) and supervised try dives for beginners. It will be held on Saturday 5th September at Woolston Leisure Centre, Warrington. Registration is open from 3.00pm till 4.30pm.

Terry Wood and his team from Cheshire Scuba Academy have once again agreed to support the event, providing dive instructors and equipment. 

LiveWire (Leisure) have kindly donated the use of the pool. 

If you would like to join Dave, Tom and the team, please email Dave on davethompson@disabilitypartnership.org.uk or call him on 07879 440 134.

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