Lands End to John O'Groats by wheelchair

A disabled woman is preparing to travel from Lands End to John O Groats in a powered wheelchair to raise funds for the charity Kenya Acorn Project.

Mary Laver from Newcastle is hoping to begin the E2E Challenge on June 1st 2008 and complete on June 29th. Mary 60, who is wheelchair dependent and partially sighted says: 'It's something I have always wanted to do and I don't believe the 'End to End Challenge' as it is commonly called has ever been done in one powerchair before, so this will be a World Record Attempt. I am using an Alber Adventure Powerchair which is being delivered to me from Germany this week'.
Mary who has competed in the Great North Run by being pushed in her wheelchair is determined to be ready for her start date of June 1st.

'There is a lot of work that needs to be done but slowly we are getting there. I am still looking for volunteers and support staff to help care for me along the way and for vehicle drivers for the van I have just bought. I will have batteries for my wheelchair on charge throughout the journey. That means I can complete the E2E in one wheelchair as opposed to using several. The Caravan Club have issued me with a Press Pass which means I get free camping, but if anyone can help in any way please can they contact me? My details are on my blog.'

Mary is being supported in her attempt by her MP, Mr. Stephen Byers who has kindly donated a prize of dinner with him at the House of Commons for a raffle that is running. Mary has an online diary detailing her attempt which is getting hits from all over the world, the address of which is www.powerwheelchaire2e.blogspot.com

Mary said 'I have chosen the Kenya Acorn Project (KAP for short) because it is a charity close to my heart. It was established in 1988, by a group of UK visitors to the Ndhiwa area of Western Kenya, in response to evident community need. Donations have enabled hospital equipment, educational materials and UK volunteers, to work overseas for up to six months upgrading the physical infrastructure of the Community Hospital and five selected schools. Work on these have included the building of new classrooms,supplying hospital drugs and better sanitation including pit latrines. They are now looking to develop a community based program for HIV/AIDS care. This is a very worthy charity and they have achieved so much already that's why I want to help them with their work'.

Finally Mary said:
'As the date for departure is getting closer I am petrified but I'm gutsy and I really want to do this. I am looking forward to celebrating my 61st birthday on the challenge, on June 12th in Blackpool.'

Mary can be contacted via her diary, by email at mary.laver.e2e@googlemail.com or on telephone number: 0191 266 5197.

Ableize wishes Mary all the best and congratulates her one a mammoth and good cause challenge.