Scuba divers raise £6,000

MORE than £6,000 was raised at a “Super Scuba” event which launched Warrington Disability Partnership’s “Going the Extra Mile” challenge.
A team of 22 people – eight experienced divers and 14 novices – took part in the event at Woolston Neighbourhood Hub.
Money raised will go towards funding for the 21st anniversary of Disability Awareness Day (DAD) on July, 15 at Walton Hall and Gardens.
The experienced divers took up the mile challenge while the novice divers completed a “try dive.”
DAD event co-ordinator Dave Thompson completed the challenge, beating the time he set ast year with a new personal best of one hour and 49 minutes.
Dave is a full-time wheelchair user since sustaining a spinal injury playing American football in 1989.
This left him with limited use in his left arm and none in his right arm or legs.
Dave’s dive buddy, Graham Horton, who is waiting for a hip replacement operation, also completed the one mile scuba challenge in less than an hour.
Both were tired, stiff and sore, but still smiling, as they left the pool to cheers from the crowd.
A jubilant Dave said: “I’m aching all over now but I was determined not to give up.”
As a result of the event many of the first time “try divers” will now be taking up training and hopefully will be completing the mile challenge next year.
Donations can still be made on line by visiting www.justgiving.com/scuba2012
Pictured: Dave Thompson and Jayne Horton of Warrington Disability Partnership and a group of try divers.