A NORTH Cumbrian dad whose fight-back from life-changing disability has become an inspiration to others has set himself a new challenge ­— and he wants local schoolchildren to help him.

Former builder Charles Deans, 46, from Wigton, has also battled back to health after a back problem left him paralysed and in a wheelchair.

The father-of-two also overcome a dependency on pain-killing opiate medication which medics warned could have killed him.

Ever since he had that warning, in May of 2018, Charles has dedicated himself to becoming as strong and as fit as he possibly can. Gradually, over several months, he taught himself to focus not on his pain, but on exercise.

Charles aims to now conquer the so-called 214 English peaks known as the Wainwrights ­— in honour of the legendary author of the walking guides, Alfred Wainwright.

But in the shorter term, he has his sights set on another challenge ­— a wheelchair version of the trek from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

He has already completed 287 miles of the 874-mile journey, covering the distance on local roads because of the current Covid restrictions.

Charles is fundraising for two local good causes: the Calvert Trust, which delivers challenging outdoor adventure holidays for disabled adults and children; and Eden Valley Hospice, whose dedicated staff cared for his sister, Helen, last year when she was in the final stages of pancreatic cancer.

She was 43.

“They were truly incredible with her and deserve our utmost respect,” said Charles.

“Eden Valley Hospice and the Calvert Trust are both charities that are close to my heart, providing invaluable care, compassion and support to our Cumbrian community.

“Asking for help is never easy for anyone, but these two charities really need help right now. I’m asking for your help because I can’t do this on my own.” He is being supported by his family, including wife, Sara, 47, a teacher a Wreay Primary School, near Carlisle.

They are urging local schoolchildren to get involved by designing a T-shirt which Charles hopes to wear for the final leg of his ten week 874-mile challenge, from the Calvert Trust HQ near Keswick to Eden Valley Hospice.

The design for the front of the T-shirt should be based on Eden Valley Hospice, while the back should represent Calvert Trust.

Sara said: “Charles has literally pushed himself through adversity since he was paralysed in 2006 and it hasn’t been easy. When he talks about it, he’s inspirational.

“Charles has been through his own struggles and come out the other side. He really is an inspirational person and he just wants to help others.”

The competition is for two age groups, four-seven and eight-eleven. Each winner will get a bike (courtesy of Wragg Mark Bell Solicitors and Keswick Bikes).

To enter, they should send a photo of their design with their name, age and school to charlesdeanswainwrights@hotmail.com. Find out more about Charles’ challenge at his Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/charles.deans.96

Charles posts regular updates of his progress, including videos. He is being helped in his challenge by his nephew, Will Ismay, with support also from the Silloth Fruit and Veg Box Company.

As of yesterday, his fundraising total was £2,037.

He said of his two chosen causes: “Eden Valley Hospice is truly incredible and more so now during lockdown as they give you the care and compassion you need in those awful, unexpected times.”

Of Calvert Trust, he said: “It’s a local charity which relies on 100% of its money coming from donations. This charity gives people with disabilities the opportunity to accomplish things that are otherwise not possible.”