A FATHER who is determined to raise thousands of pounds to help disabled children is preparing to take on a gruelling physical challenge.

Mark Kenny will cycle 150 miles over two days to raise money for the Rainbow House Cumbria, a charity that delivers state-of-the-art treatment for disabled children in Furness.

Mr Kenny, who helped set up the charity, has been fundraising for a number of years after his daughter, Tabetha, began travelling to Chorley to receive specialist treatment for her cerebral palsy.

He said: "The reason we set it up is because it gives children this therapy one day a week rather than travelling all the way to Chorley. This kind of treatment isn't available through the NHS.

"This treatment is more about developing life skills such as learning to talk, eating and learning to walk.

"Tabby has now learned how to get round the house on her bum, get up the stairs and dress herself. Now she even showers herself."

Mr Kenny and his family and friends take on a number of challenges throughout the year to raise money for the centre that gives disabled children the chance to receive this treatment for one day a week.

With added funds, Mr Kenny is hoping to roll out the programme for more than one day a week and incorporate it into the children's schooling.

He will be joined by seven friends who will take on the Coast to Coast today and cycle from Walney to Wear reaching peaks of 1,732 feet.

Mr Kenny, who will be taking on the challenge for the fourth time, said: "We've got a really good team this year. We've all put in a lot of training and we've improved and are well organised.

"I'm really looking forward to it."

The 45-year-old will be joined by fellow riders Lee Jackson (whose daughter Lei-Faith also receives therapy as a result of the charity), Jim Hannan, Ken Hardy, Jamie Baron, Rupert Baller, Mark Sumner and Brendan Melarkey.

Mr Kenny said: "We've promoted it between family and friends and the support from them and work colleagues has been brilliant, and I have to say thanks to the Lake District Farmers for sponsoring us."

So far the team has raised almost £4,500 but are hoping to hit the £7,000 mark for the charity that gives so much to disabled children across the area.

Mr Kenny said: "It teaches children to have a level of independence and gives them the opportunity to live their own lives and not just stay at home.

"We've still got our dreams for Tabby."

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