Paul Pedley, Ian Bridgewater, Samantha Boswell and volunteer Pete Bishop at a previous Wheel’n’Walk event
Eight charities will be taking part in a giant ‘walkathon’ through Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park to celebrate inclusion and raise money for people with disabilities.
Wheel’n’Walk 2023 will take place on Sunday, June 25, starting at 11am, raising money for Cerebral Palsy Midlands.
Joining CPM for the event will be Birmingham Phab Camps, Resources for Autism, Together Minds CIC with Noah’s Star charity, SEND Socials CIC, Headway Birmingham & Solihull, CASBA Advocacy and NICE Charity UK (Conductive Education).
Sarah Lilly, Cerebral Palsy Midlands development officer, said: “We all do our own individual fundraising as a sponsored walk, but we all walk together to strengthen the message and importance of inclusion in Birmingham.
“The reason why we pick Cannon Hill Park is simply because it is the most accessible and inclusive park in Birmingham with wider pathways, ‘Changing Place’ toilet facilities based at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), and plenty of disabled parking.
“All of the family can take part in our event, it really is a suitable, inclusive and accessible event for everyone.”
The event starts at 11am at The Bandstand in the park, with Freewheelin’ Dance, an inclusive dance company, getting everyone warmed up.
The theme this year is Hawaii beach and there will be a prize for the person with the best fancy dress.
Sarah added: “Whether you want to walk, hop, skip, push or be pushed, you do as many laps as you can around the flat route and we will reward your success with a medal, a certificate and some refreshments at the finish line. I know for my sister Vicky, who has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, this year her achievement will be doing one lap of the park in her new electric wheelchair, which would be fantastic.
“Fundraising really does make a difference to the service we provide supporting adults with cerebral palsy and other complex needs. Every pound raised will support our centre in Harborne and care for the community we empower and inspire to lead fulfilled lives.”
The event is being supported by Medical Accident Group, Asda Foundation, West Midlands Fire Service, Northfield Network Neighbourhood Scheme and A F Blakemore (Spar).
Parking will be available at the National Institute of Conductive Education (N.I.C.E), Cannon Hill House, 14 Russell Road, Birmingham B13 8RD. There are also other car parking points at Cannon Hill Park itself.
For more information visit http://www.cpmids.org.uk/news/walk/.
