A DETERMINED man with cerebral palsy is organising his own racing event especially for people with disabilities.

It is a giant leap for Toby Wheeler but the 24-year-old has always wanted to race.

Just a few years ago he started walking with a specialised walking frame.

He and his care team looked at taking part in the Park Run in Colchester but it would have taken him a long time to complete.

His carer Harriett Renolds said they got the ball rolling in setting up his own racing event.

She said: “Toby is a happy young man and has a fantastic support network around him.

“In 2012 he had operations on his spine and hip and it took a long time to build his strength but he has positivity all around him and we never tell him he can’t do something.

“We wanted to make the event worthwhile by doing it for charity.”

Halstead Gazette:

The unique race for people with physical disabilities is not about finishing within a certain time, it is an achievement simply to complete the distance.

It will be in aid of Team Angus, a charity set up to support tot Angus Grocott who also has cerebral palsy.

Angus was starved of oxygen at birth. He needs therapies and equipment to support his life.

Toby understands the importance of equipment and physiotherapy which has inspired him to help Angus.

Harriett said: “Angus’s story really drew him in, he wants to raise awareness that just because you have a physical disability it doesn’t mean you can’t do something.”

Toby, who lives in Colchester, spends two days a week as a community college in Chelmsford, he also runs a Boccia group for people with disabilities in Braintree, and is an ambassador for Active Essex.

The fundraising event, called the Wheeler Way Walk, is a 400 metre race taking place in the new sports arena at Essex University on May 4.

To apply for a place in the race email wheelerwaywalk@gmail.com. To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/wheelerwaywalk.