13-year-old Ben from Whiteshill tackles tough fundraising challenge

The youngster, who attends St Rose’s School, in Stroud, is hoping that she’ll soon have her own chair in which to play Powerchair Football.

Ben, 13, went to extreme lengths to help raise the approximately £6,000 needed for the chair by taking part in a triathlon on Saturday.

The Archway School pupil said: “My dad’s already training for a sponsored cycle ride from John O’Groats to Lands End in July, and I thought I’d like to do something too.

"A sponsored walk didn’t seem enough of a challenge, and I wanted to do something more active.

"I like cycling and running, so that’s how the triathlon idea came about."

Ben took on a 400m swim in the indoor pool at Stratford Park Leisure Centre, followed by a 10km cycle ride along the track, towards Nailsworth and back, and then a 2.5km run along the same route.

Gemma’s mum, Debbie, is delighted with how the fundraising is going.

She said: “We want to raise between £5,000 and £6,000 for a chair, and it’s encouraging that people and charities are already being so supportive.

"I’ve written to various charities and got support, and we’ve set up web pages for Ben’s Triathlon Challenge and Gemma’s Football Focus, which have also brought in some funds.”

Debbie explained: “Gemma has cerebral palsy and a genetic condition, so she can’t stand or sit on her own and has to use a power wheelchair.

"She joined Cheltenham Saracens Powerchair Football Club when it started in October last year, and she’s really enjoyed being a member.

"It’s the one sport she can do on a level playing field with others, and she loves the training and the social side of it.

“At the moment, she’s borrowing an adult chair, which isn’t ideal, so we’re hoping to buy her own chair to help her progress.”

If you’d like to donate to the cause, please visit justgiving.com/benstriathlonchallenge or justgiving.com/gemmasfootballfocus.