A GROUP of 30 people from the Orchards Day Centre in Leigh are determined to raise £18,000 for a new people carrier vehicle.

But first they have to set off on the first lap of fund-raising by completing a 'Walk for Wheels' trek from Bolton to Leigh.

It is hoped the 30, six of whom will be in wheelchairs, will raise about £1,000 in the first fund raising event of its kind.

The Orchards, which caters for adults with learning difficulties, badly needs new transport and have vowed to hold a series of events throughout the next few months, but they are also inviting sponsorship from local companies and individuals to help them out.

The walkers will cover the 13 mile distance in relays and the walk has been divided into nine sections. Each team will be accompanied by a back up vehicle carrying two experienced first aiders.

Helen Scargill of Social Services, who is organising the event, said: "We believe that this will be the first time anyone in this area has attempted a walk of this kind, and the organisation of it has certainly been a bit of a headache. Safety considerations are of course paramount and we shall be suing BT mobile phones and pagers to keep in contact.

"We are confident that it will all go well and we shall raise, with luck, about £1,000 towards what we need for a new people carrier. Of course if any generous person or organisation would like to help us along, we shall be glad to hear from them."

Anyone wishing to sponsor those taking part in the event or wishing to contribute towards the people carrier fund is invited to ring Helen Scargill on 01942 671045.

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