Youngster with cerebral palsy raises £5k in 24 hours for charity which 'changed his life'

Patrick McCabe took to the streets in Alderley Edge to raise the community's spirits by encouraging them to dance - all in aid of charity.

The youngster has Cerebral Palsy Quadriplegic, and uses a motorised wheelchair as well as assistive technology to communicate.

Regardless of his disability, Patrick loves adventure and when he heard about the charity Bendrigg Trust last year, he couldn’t wait to experience a day full of fun.

The charity has specialist equipment for those who are disabled, meaning Patrick was able to take part in a range of accessible activities - including ascending the climbing wall alongside his siblings.

Patrick said: "After my first visit to Bendrigg Trust, I felt that my life had been changed forever as I could finally do things alongside my siblings that I never felt possible.

"Things like reaching the top of the indoor climbing wall -it was epic!

"Like many other charities, Bendrigg have had to close their doors due to the Covid pandemic.

"This has had a critical impact on their ability to stay open and support young children and adults in need of their support.

"I know that Bendrigg have a huge positive impact on so many people's lives and I wanted to do something to try to make sure that their incredible work can continue.

Patrick McCabe took to the streets in Alderley Edge to raise the community's spirits

"At the same time, I wanted to put a smile on the faces of those people in my village who have maybe struggled through the pandemic crisis and show people that spring is around the corner and with lockdown easing a little, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for us all.

"Thank you for helping to make dreams a reality and to allow everyone to achieve through smiles and adventure."

Patrick initially set a £1,000 fundraising target, but in just 24 hours he smashed that by raising more £5,000.

Now, his total stands at more than £6,000.

Martha Wood from the Bendrigg Trust added: "All the team watched Patricks video and it instantly brought a huge smile to all of our faces.

"We were amazed at Patricks fundraising efforts and are so grateful as the money will enable us to continue providing services for disabled people in the UK and it’s no exaggeration to say that these activities have a profound effect for our visitors, particularly after the pandemic because so many disabled people have been shielding for over a year now.

Patrick McCabe took to the streets in Alderley Edge to raise the community's spirits

"It’s been a difficult time for our charity as well, as it has for many UK charities.

"The demand is higher for our services yet we have not been able to offer our regular services due to the restrictions which has put a huge strain on our finances.

"We can’t wait to reopen again in the summer so that more children like Patrick have the opportunity to have fun, laugh and smile again.

"We are so grateful for all Patrick has done."

If you’d like to donate to Patrick's fundraising page, you can do so at justgiving.com/fundraising/patrick-mccabe5.