Hi

I'm running the London Marathon in April this year and having got in via the ballot rather than a charity entry decided it would be a great opportunity to raise some money for a well deserving cause of my choice.

Neil (37) is a Derby lad who has cerebral palsy. He has had his current wheelchair, which was second hand for more than 6 years. Neil's electric wheelchair is his lifeline without it he'd be completely immobile and confined to his flat. If it were to break before he received a new one he would, in his own words " lose all of his independence" and become completely reliant on others to go anywhere as he'd only have his manual wheelchair. If he gets stuck in his flat it affects his moods greatly and he starts to feel very low. He would also require more care which has already been cut by the government so he simply cannot afford this. Neil may be entitled to a grant to cover some of the cost of a new wheelchair but it is a lengthy process and not guaranteed.

At this moment in time Neil's current wheelchair is in bad condition, the front wheels are buckled and the lights don't work which causes him danger in the dark also the arm is torn which makes it uncomfortable for him.

Neil himself is looking into a parachute jump to raise more money, however in the mean time I would like to help contribute to his grand total of £6,000 by trying to raise a few hundred quid.

Many thanks for taking the time to read Neil's story.