A TEENAGER has launched a fundraising drive to raise £22,000 to buy a new wheelchair.

Philippa Smith, 17, from Tollesbury, has cerebral palsy and has used an electric wheelchair to get around her whole life.

The Colchester Sixth Form pupil now needs to buy a new chair before she heads off to university next year.

A chance meeting with one of the runners at Maldon parkrun, where Philippa volunteers, helped kickstart the fundraising.

Craig Vernon, 55, from Samphire Way, Witham, decided to dedicate a half-marathon run in Bedford to Philippa.

He said: “I was at the Maldon parkrun and came across her at the finish tunnel where she was volunteering.

“After a brief chat, I said I would like to dedicate my half marathon run to her.

“There was a moment around the ten-mile mark that I found it hard going.

“But I thought ‘it’s not my run today, it’s Philippa’s race’ which spurred me onto the finish line.”

Philippa’s mum Caroline Smith said: “Craig just came up to Philippa out of the blue after the race and decided to help.

“He came up with the idea for the fundraiser and because of what he started, we’ve now raised quite a bit of money.

“He has been so nice bless him. To go from someone who didn’t know us to helping us raise money, it’s amazing.”

A JustGiving page has been set up to raise the £22,000 with £2,500 already donated.

Birmingham charity Boparan Charitable Trust has also donated £5,000. Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Philippa.