Rower completes challenge for Bel (From Craven Herald)

Skipton physiotherapist Mark Wilkinson raises more than £10,000 for youngster

12:10pm Friday 9th September 2011 in News

A Skipton physiotherapist completed a gruelling charity rowing challenge at Kilnsey Show.

Mark Wilkinson, 44, who works at Paragon Physiotherapy clinic in Skipton, finished his 50th and final half-marathon on a Concept II rowing machine.

Mr Wilkinson completed the 50 half-marathons in just 60 days to raise money for former Embsay girl Bel Young, who was paralysed after falling from a climbing frame.

The nine-year-old needed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation after the incident in a neighbour’s garden last June, which left her with a broken neck, unable to move her arms and legs and needing a ventilator to breathe.

His efforts have raised more than £10,000 for the Being Bel Trust, which will fund vital physiotherapy equipment.

“This little girl is so brave,” said Mr Wilkinson. “She came out smiling and laughing after nine months in intensive care.”

After finishing his gruelling rowing challenge last Tuesday, Mr Wilkinson said he felt a mixture of emotions.

“I’m absolutely elated it’s finished. I can’t describe how difficult it’s been. I’ve gone through so much pain that every muscle in my body has hurt for the past two months.”

Mr Wilkinson’s final half marathon was his best, as he shaved 23 seconds off his record time.