Folk tuck in to support a worthy cause

More than £1,000 was raised for a spinal injuries charity that has helped rebuild the life of a woman left paralysed by a fall.

Cakes, handmade cards, second hand books and fabrics were sold at the Admiral Rodney, Southwell, on Saturday for the Spinal Injuries Association.

It has helped Mrs Joyce Willson, 57, of Middlesbrough, recover from an accident in her home 18 months ago.

The event was organised by Mrs Willson’s sister-in-law, Carol Willson, and Lesley Thompson, both of Southwell.

Money was being raised in support of a cycling challenge by Mrs Willson’s husband, Simon Willson, 58, his daughter, Jo Willson, 28, and her partner, Paul Thompson, 29, who is Lesley’s son.

The trio, and two friends of Simon, will cycle from London to Paris in May to mark the 40th anniversary of the Spinal Injuries Association.

They have to raise £1,600 each to take part and have already raised £1,315.

Mr Willson said a lot of money had been raised through events in Middlesbrough.

“You can’t imagine how generous people have been,” he said.

Paul, who was brought up in Southwell but now lives with Jo in Hertfordshire, said he had never cycled before starting his training but was a keen runner.

“It’s Joyce with her determination and positive attitude that has inspired me to take on this challenge,” he said.

Mrs Willson fell down the stairs in the night and broke her neck, which damaged her spinal cord and left her paralysed from the chest down.

She said she had received a lot of support from the charity.

“I have a mentor that comes out to see me and advises me on what I can do, and gives me encouragement that there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

She does not remember the incident, which put her in hospital for six months and left her wheelchair-bound.

Mrs Willson was an administrator at a council in Middlesbrough but has been unable to work since.

“It’s been a complete life change in every respect,” she said. “Before the accident I was a regular runner, and I went to the gym and swam. I still keep active with upper-body exercises and still go to the gym.

“The support for this event has been brilliant.”

Donations can be made at www.justgiv ing.com/jo-paul-cycle