Leonard Cheshire team gear up for 26-mile pedal-a-thon organised by resident

Paul Jenkins and fellow residents of Agate House in Woburn Street, Ampthill, are hosting a charity pedal-a-thon throughout April and plan to cover 26 miles to raise funds.

Paul has had cerebral palsy all his life and uses the pedal exercise machine to keep his arms and legs fit.

Paul and professional magician Adrian Ward came up with the idea whilst Paul was ‘supervising’ Adrian as he painted a corridor at Agate house one morning.

Adrian said: “People were taking about the marathon in April and I suggested to Paul that he and his fellow residents pedal the 26 miles on the exercise machine and get sponsored for it.”

Paul has been excited and enthusiastic about the fundraiser from the start and can’t stop talking about it when Adrian pops in.

Paul also goes into schools to do presentations about his disability.

He said: “I want to be able to email people about my presentations and to email schools myself. I would also like to write to students as some write to me.”

The money Paul and his friends raise will help to buy equipment that makes their daily lives easier.

If you’d like to support Paul and friends as they pedal a whole marathon throughout April please donate via his just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/PaulsPedal-a-Thon.

Cerebral palsy is the general term for a number of neurological conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. It is caused by a problem in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling muscles.

The Leonard Cheshire Disability charity supports disabled people to have the freedom to live their lives the way they choose — with the opportunity and support to live independently, contribute economically and participate fully in society.

They have more than 100 care homes, and care homes with nursing, across the UK.

Visit www.leonardcheshire.org