A GROUP of friends who attended Archway School together, are taking part in a sponsored walk to raise money for wheelchair-user Neil Francis and encouraging others to join them.

Neil suffered a broken neck when he dived into a swimming pool at just 17 years of age, causing paralysis from the shoulders down.

Max Owen, 14, has since set up the Chair for Neil campaign, with the end goal of raising £14,000 for a state-of-the-art wheelchair.

Hannah Davis, Talena Purse, Kerrie Mason, Joanne Walsh and Nadia Anderson are organising a 10km sponsored walk.

The Walk starts at mid-morning on Saturday beginning at Archway School, up into Randwick, across to Haresfield Beacon, back through the woods, down Ash Lane in the direction of Townsend, through Puckshole finishing at The Rose Inn pub in Paganhill.

Another friend of Neil and personal trainer Ed Mobbs will be offering walkers a break by pushing them in a wheelchair (for a donation) for ten minutes.

Noel French of Waterwell will be providing the water to keep all walkers hydrated on their 10km walk.

There will be a barbecue (food provided by Tesco) at the finish-line and Neil Wilson, a local DJ, is hoping to do the music.

An auction will also be held and some fantastic prizes will be on offer, including a week-long stay in a holiday villa and a helicopter ride for two.

The organisers would like to thank everyone who has generously donated prizes for the auction.

To donate to Neil’s cause go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chairforneil