News

Salford amputee plunges into pool for second time to raise money for disabled cycling charity

By Tim Hyde

A Salford man, who lost his arm in a road traffic accident, is taking the plunge and swimming 40 lengths in under an hour for a charity that helped him during his recovery.

Ian Mulligan, who is a ‘services to the community nominee, will be taking on the challenge at Irlam Leisure Centre on December 6 for the Wheels for All charity.

The 51-year-old undertook a sponsored swim last year in which he raised more than £600 for the charity, and hopes to beat that total in his latest attempt.

Mr Mulligan, 51, who works at Optical Express in the Trafford Centre said: “I am delighted to be able to give something back to an organisation which helped me build my confidence and provide me with a route back into cycling.

“The work they do benefits the community no end and I’ll continue to fundraise for them in any way I can.” 

Mr Mulligan is passionate about the charity after being involved in the accident in which he lost his arm and badly damaged his right leg just over 30-years-ago.

Since then he has been involved in numerous fundraising activities which have led him to be nominated for a ‘services to the community’ award presented by the Mayor of Salford. 

Wheels for All provide adapted cycles and programmes to ensure that cycling is accessible to everyone.

The charity’s projects help those with differing needs and disabilities cycle with confidence and enjoy the social and physical benefits it can bring.

Hermine Briffa, Wheels For All Salford co-ordinator, said: “Volunteer fundraising efforts are vital to the charity and its efforts to offer all inclusive cycling opportunities for people with a wide range of disability.

“Funds help our Salford centre in a variety of ways; supporting outreach work in the community, delivering inclusive cycling taster sessions around the borough and buying new equipment.” 

Image courteous of Brit, with thanks

For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.

Related Articles