Disabled St Neots teen in four-hour fundraising walk
Fundraising for his new wheelchair is Dean Symmons of St Neots, with dad Andy Symmons - Credit: Archant
A DISABLED teenager walked for almost FOUR HOURS to raise money for a new wheelchair that will give him greater independence.
Dean Symmons, 17, had not walked for almost two years after an accident in a school PE lesson damaged his spinal cord.
But took on a challenge to walk a mile – from Eaton Ford to the Bull’s Head, in Cambridge Street, St Neots – alongside friends and family on Saturday to raise money for a new wheelchair.
Fundraisers wearing fancy dress turned up to support Dean, making donations and taking part in a raffle later in the day.
Dean set off in the morning in callipers and was using a walking frame for support, but after more than three-and-half hours of exertion in the sun, his back and shoulders gave up on him having made it just over half way.
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Nevertheless, about £2,000 was raised on the day which, adding to money already raised, is enough to pay for a lightweight wheelchair that will allow him to get in and out of his car and travel independently.
Dean, of Oliver Way, Loves Farm, St Neots, said: “I’m so excited to get in my new chair and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who came along or supported me in any way.
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“I’m a little disappointed I wasn’t able to go the whole mile but I had only walked 50 yards in a school hall before this, so it was still a massive achievement.
“I had to wheel myself the rest of the way and then I walked across the finish line. It was still a really good day, everyone made a great effort coming in fancy dress and coming to the disco and raffle at the Bull’s Head.”
Dean said that he will take a couple of months off from fundraising but is already thinking about his next challenge.
“I think I might try to do some kind of assault course out of my chair next.”
