Update: 29/06/2020 - Wow, what can I say we are so close! I have just got off the phone with Terrain Hopper and booked Charlie in for a test drive on Monday (6th July!). They have also sent me the price list, which includes a list of the extra's which I hadn't even considered and actually thought would be included. The chair itself is £15,250 and some of these are waterproofing (£1290) so that it it can go out in all weathers and down streams, a roll bar (£550) for safety and also a five point harness (£100). There are many other's but these are items which I think are essential. If we are to raise anything over the amount originally set the money would go towards these, and also to help cover the fees of just giving which will reduce the total we actually receive. Thank you to each and every person who has read our story, donated and supported us to be able to achieve this for Charlie. I have been totally humbled by your support and I hope to see you all on the Hills :-) xx

As a family we have always been into walking and the outdoors. Living where we do, we are blessed with being at the foothills of the Pennines and have beautiful walks in abundance from our front door. For the past 8 years we have continued to do what we can with these walks and include Charlie as much as possible. This has included various different carriers, wheelchairs, even a huge buggy from Canada! However, now, at 8 years old we have become stuck. We are struggling more and more to include Charlie in the walks. I run a community walk in the area once a month where we go right out over the moors with the most recent being last Sunday. I was talking to George about coming on the walk when Charlie piped up with “I would love to come Dad, but I can’t do it can I?”. It broke me. Its such a simple thing that we all take for granted and he is missing out, and as a Dad that hurts. I want him to continue to be able to participate with his family, I want him to have new experiences and he currently can’t.

But there is an answer. Having trawled the internet for hours, watched hundreds of YouTube videos and spoke to numerous people I came across a fantastic off-road wheelchair. A wheelchair that would allow Charlie to get out and engage in activities with us. A Wheelchair that would give Charlie his freedom and independence. So here it is, the stumbling block, the cost. The cost of this freedom and independence is currently £15,000.

So that is it, that’s what I have to raise. I have accepted that this is a massive amount of money, but I have to do it. I realise that this will not be raised by a one-off fundraising event, so I have set my self a challenge.

From the 1st of March until the 1st of June I will be completing a number of personal challenges and fundraising events in the hope of raising the required £15000. All help is so greatly appreciated, and also any fundraising ideas will be most welcomed! There is nothing I will not consider! Thanks all. Dan xxx