Help couple in charity challenge as they battle for their dream wedding

Furthermore, wheelchair-bound double amputee Alan Rayment is aiming to walk down the aisle when he weds his workmate and now fiancee Heather Poole.

The pair are finalists in a radio wedding competition that weeded out just six couples from hundreds who entered. But in this last push before the winners of the bumper wedding package emerge, all contestants must raise as much money as they can for their chosen charity, by March 1.

Budding strongmen and others are invited to pit their strength in to challenges taking place this Saturday.

The Isle’s top teen fundraiser Jack Marshall will join hero Ben Parkinson and Crowle’s Alan Rayment at North Lindsey College on Saturday for a charity truck pull, vintage bus pull, car deadlift and fitness challenge.

These efforts will all raise money for Cash for Kids, while helping Alan and Heather in their wedding bid. The event begins at 9am and anyone interested in taking part should call Alan on 07739 356488. There will also be a prize raffle for a CBR Koppenberg and other prizes, with all proceeds for Cash for Kids, that helps those with special needs or disabilities across North Lincolnshire.

On Saturday evening at Crowle’s Red Lion pub from 7.30pm will be a Crowle’s Got Talent competition with karaoke, local bands and a party atmosphere. Alan, 39, who has done a huge amount of fundraising previously, said: “This should be a fantastic day and we invite everyone to come along and join in the fun.”

The fitness suite manager at North Lindsey College, said it would be “fantastic” and make “a huge difference” to win the wedding and put their current plans on a very tight budget to one side.

The fact that charities benefit from the competition made it more appealing. Alan has already raised multiple thousands of pounds for good causes in grueling challenges he completed despite his disability.

He underwent a double leg amputation in the 1990s after contracting the flesh-eating bug MRSA.

The award-winning para-triathlete tried once to walk but found it impossible. Now he intends to give it his all on new legs for which he will be measured in April this year.

“I’ve achieved a lot in my chair,” he said. “But if I could learn to walk for my wedding and have the first dance with my wife, that would be something else. I’ve been inspired by Ben Parkinson and what he has done. Ben is joining me in some fundraising over the next two weeks.

“We hope to raise £3000 in a fortnight but one former contestant raised £17,000 we’ve been told.....that’s a bit scary,” said Alan.

He added: “Our charity will be Cash for Kids that helps disadvantaged families buy necessary equipment. I can really relate to this as I know what a massive difference my £2,700 wheelchair makes to my life.”

During his years with Heather, Alan has had a major operation every year with lengthy recoveries and not much chance of planning events. This is why they would love the wedding prize, along with the fact that their four young boys absorb much of their time and spare cash too.

Alan added: “The final reason is we love each other and want to be husband and wife and our boys want the same!”

The couple were thinking of a June wedding in 2016. Adaptations are being made to Alan’s home on Windsor Road to allow the whole family comprising Alan and Heather with Ace, two, Harry, five, Thomas, eight, and Saxon, 10, to be together.

To help Alan and Heather in their bid to make a mound of cash for kids who need it, and to win the Viking FM package, visit https://secure2.everydayhero.co.uk/event/WYW-heatherandalan/donate

Tonight, (Wednesday) you can help raise money for Cash for Kids by paying £5 for two hours of fitness, fun and warmth in the Events centre at North Lindsey College. This is from 6pm to 9pm and includes Zumba 45 Minutes with Hayley Pinky Thompson, Insanity 30 Minutes with Ciaron Deegan Bsc Hons, and Boxercise 45 Minutes with Fran Frances Hagan.

All welcome!