A father who has Motor Neurone Disease has set his sights on completing a 26 mile challenge to raise enough money to buy a specially adapted table for wheelchair users at LOROS.
David Needham, 48, of Cold Newton, who is a full-time wheelchair user, will be taking on the Old Packhorse Way in August, a route that measures the distance of a marathon, from Cumbria’s Coniston Valley to Keswick.
The father-of-three is hoping to raise enough money to buy an adjustable table for LOROS, which is part of a wider refurbishment, will see the social area at LOROS given a complete make over.
“Having these tables will make life so much easier. It sounds crazy but even just drinking and or having something to eat will be easier,” said David, who was diagnosed with MND in 2014, after first noticing symptoms in 2010.
“A lot of the time, I have to lean out of my chair at restaurants, to eat my meals. “It’s just not something you consider as an able bodied person, I never did.”
Having height adjustable tables in the LOROS social area will mean that wheelchair users can sit comfortably at them, spending time eating and drinking, while meeting friends and family.
“They really will make a huge difference,” David added.
The challenge comes two years after David became the first ever person to complete The Yorkshire Three Peaks in a wheelchair.
“This looks like a tough route but it’s pointless doing it, if it’s not a challenge,” said David.
“Having something to aim for and work towards is good for anyone and I honestly believe that if I keep my mind active, my body will stay active too.”
As with the Three Peaks, David will once again make use of his mountain trike to complete the Old Packhorse Way.
“Although I’m in a wheelchair, I don’t differentiate between myself and an able bodied person,” David added.
David will be taking on the challenge with LOROS CEO John Knight and the pair are welcoming other participants to join them.
Those wanting to help David complete the challenge and achieve his goal of raising £900 to buy an adjustable table must be free on 14th and 15th August.
“The camaraderie that we developed during the Three Peaks challenge was exceptional, I’m looking forward to experiencing that again,” David said.
To sponsor David and to help him buy an adjustable table visit: justgiving.com/david-needham5
If you are interested in joining David with his challenge, then there are four spaces available. Please email info@loros.co.uk for more information.
