A CAMPAIGN to raise £11,000 to purchase an electric wheelchair for a dedicated Teesdale volunteer received a big boost last week.
Scout leader Sue Baillie lost her leg four years ago after developing sepsis on three occasions.
Despite having her right leg amputated below the knee Mrs Baillie continues to volunteer with the Scouts.
Even with a basic electric wheelchair Mrs Baillie’s mobility has been limited. In a bid to improve her mobility, friend Suzanne Thomas launched an appeal to raise the £11,000 needed for a lightweight, all-terrain wheelchair.
Mrs Thomas set up a Justgiving page for the appeal, which currently stands at £3,000.
She is also preparing to complete a 40-mile sponsored walk, setting off from Barney tomorrow (May 23) to reach Penrith by May 25.
After reading about the campaign, popular performers James Dykes and Eddie Tinkler, better known as Two Local Blokes, got in touch to offer their fundraising weight to the appeal.
The stalwart musicians, who perform at care homes, lunch clubs and charity events, asking only for donations to their chosen charities as payment, will be giving a proportion of what they raise through the year to the wheelchair appeal.
Mr Dykes said: “We will probably have three or four causes like last year, but when we read about the appeal, we thought it fitted perfectly with our aim.
“It is a local cause and that is what we sing for. It is local music by local musicians for local good causes.”
Last year the duo handed over £1,500 to three organisations and hope to do the same this year. They have already begun planning their end of year musical showcase concert at Barnard Castle’s WMC on November 3.
Mr Tinkler added: “We are the musical version of The Clique.”
Anyone wishing to donate to Sue’s wheelchair appeal should visit https:// rb.gy/dekh85.
