INVACARE SUPPORTS MARK’S MOUNTAIN CLIMB CHALLENGE WITH OFF-ROAD WHEELCHAIR

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INVACARE SUPPORTS MARK’S MOUNTAIN CLIMB CHALLENGE WITH OFF-ROAD WHEELCHAIR

 Leading disability equipment manufacturer Invacare is pleased to loan a specially designed wheelchair to help a local disability sports club climb Pen-y-Fan, South Wales. 

The wheelchair will be used by Mark Turner, one of the founders of Ebbw Vale Wheelchair Sports Club, who’s doing the challenge to help raise £30k over the next year to purchase sports wheelchairs and sports equipment for the club.

Mark will be helped to the summit by a formidable team of 15 rugby players, club sponsors, and team members who will push and pull the specially designed wheelchair to the top. Supported by friends and family, it will be an early start on 11 November as the team aim to reach the summit in time to hold a two-minute silence at 11am.

As Club Secretary, Mark is aiming to increase membership, currently at 40 team members, but more importantly raise awareness of the variety of sports and opportunities available for people with disabilities. The club was formed after a taster session run by coach Lyndon Price.  Recently it has benefitted with local sponsorship from businesses and received a grant from Disability Sports Wales. 

“We want to be a hub for all sports in the area. We currently offer 3 types of rugby, rugby league, 5’s and 7’s but with the extra funds, the club can expand its sports offering to include Boccia, Badminton and Table Tennis.” commented Mark, a former Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineer who has been using a wheelchair for 9 years after being diagnosed with a neurological condition that’s severely affected his mobility.

“I can’t wait to do this challenge in the modified Küschall wheelchair, originally built to reach the base camp of Everest, is perfect for this event.” said Mark who is keen to push the boundaries and already looking for his next adventure. 

Ebbw Vale Wheelchair Sports Club meet every Saturday at Ebbw Vale Sports centre.  To find out more about the challenge and the club you can email: mark.evwsc@gmail.com.