Giles ready for Brighton 10km wheelchair challenge

Giles Martin, 23, from Burgess Hill, is planning to complete the BM10km – part of the Brighton Marathon weekend – in his wheelchair.

With the help of his support workers, Connor O’Brien and Keri Heasman, Giles is hoping to complete the race to raise funds and awareness for the #ConnectAbility Appeal.

The appeal is a national £250,000 fundraising effort to raise money for assistive communications technology which helps disabled people live independently.

Giles lives in Ernest Kleinwort Court, a purpose built centre which provides accommodation and support for disabled people run by national charity The Disabilities Trust.

Giles said he has a passion for technology and uses it in his everyday life – he hopes to raise £1,000 for the appeal.

“I am taking part in the Brighton 10km to raise money for ConnectAbility because I want other service users to be able to use technology the way I can,” said Giles.

As this is his first race, Giles said he is nervous about taking on the challenge, but is confident he will be able to complete the first 5km in under an hour.

Connor and Keri have been training to make sure they can support Giles and push his wheelchair the length of the race.

Giles will be met at the finish line by his mum, dad, brother and staff from The Disabilities Trust.

Ernest Kleinwort Court, in Oakenfield, Burgess Hill, provides support for people with complex and high dependency needs, giving independence and lifestyle choices for adults with physical disabilities.

The centre supports people with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and arthritis.

A spokeswoman for the centre said: “Increasingly people are coming to us whose disability has been caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis or accidents.”

To find out more visit The Disabilities Trust at www.thedtgroup.org