Bath charity Designability has launched an appeal for fundraisers to take part in its inaugural 10K Your Way challenge this month.
Designability, which helps disabled people to live with greater independence through the creation and provision of useful products, is inviting people of all ages and abilities to complete a fundraising challenge around the theme of 10K.
Whether it’s a 10K run, completing 10,000 steps every day for a month or something a bit different like giving up chocolate for one week (10,000 minutes), the choice is entirely up to participants.
Everyone involved will receive a special Designability gold medal on reaching their target.
The 10K Your Way event is being held as part of Designability’s celebrations marking 10 years of the flagship Wizzybug Loan Scheme.
Through the scheme, Wizzybug wheelchairs are provided free of charge to very young disabled children across the UK, allowing them more independence from an early age.
Designability receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations to provide its services.
All funds raised from the 10K Your Way Challenge will help the charity to continue to support children and families through the Wizzybug Loan Scheme.
Sarah East from Milton Keynes has seen first-hand the difference the scheme makes to the lives of disabled children.
She said: “Our daughter Hattie was diagnosed with Merosin Deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy at 13 months old.
“When we were told that most children with her condition will never be able to walk independently, it was so hard to imagine how she would have any independence.
“When Hattie’s physiotherapist told us about Wizzybug, suddenly it felt like a light on the horizon. Hattie loves being able to choose where to go and certainly makes her opinion known! She has blossomed in her character and has grown so much.
“We could not be more thankful to Designability and Wizzybug for giving her the gift of freedom.
“By taking part in the ’10k Your Way’ fundraiser you will be helping another family like ours see the light on the horizon. You can do whatever works for you, whether that’s running 10k or 10 good deeds in 10 days. Use your imagination and have fun!”
Chief Executive of Designability, Catharine Brown, said: “The 10K Your Way challenge is a great way of setting your own personal goal and helping others at the same time.
“Inclusivity is a hugely important part of modern life, which is why we wanted to create a fundraising event that allows people of all ages, all abilities, all backgrounds, to set their own challenge.”
Each participant will receive a fundraising pack and a medal. For more information and to sign up for the challenge, visit Designability.org.uk.
