A CAERPHILLY resident will be completing an 8km sponsored wheelchair roll in aid of LGBT charity Stonewall.
Jake Dyche, 38, will start the wheelchair roll from Llandaff North to Cardiff Bay on November 5, as part of the Stonewall Season Festival.
Jake says there are many misconceptions about people who use wheelchairs but this event aims to inspire others to take part in fundraising.
“People often think it’s a tragedy and will say things like ‘Oh I’m so sorry’,” said Jake.
“I’ve been in my wheelchair for about a year and a half and it has changed my life dramatically – I feel like I’m much fitter! Mind you, 8k may not sound like much, but it is quite an effort when you are using your arms to do it!”
Jake said negative perceptions towards people in wheelchairs was “down to a lack of imagination”.
“People don’t appreciate that there are different ways of living,” said Jake.
“There’s this belief that you’re either able-bodied and happy or in a wheelchair and unhappy.
Now I want to use my wheelchair as a positive force in other people’s lives, as it has been such a positive force in my life.”
The Stonewall Season Festival celebrates lesbian, gay, bi and trans life and culture through a range of events from November 1 to 10.
Jake identifies as gender non-binary.
“I’m also queer, so I wanted to raise money for an LGBT charity and give something back,” said Jake.
- To donate to Jake’s sponsored wheelchair roll, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JakeDyche
