A woman’s pledge to dramatically improve mobility for wheelchair-bound lovers of the Dales looks set to receive a welcome cash boost.

Debbie North is trying to pay for a cross-country buggy so the disabled can enjoy Malham Tarn.

In February 2011, Debbie, a former primary school head teacher, had to resign from her post.

“Because of a spinal injury I had very poor mobility and spent a lot of time in a wheelchair,” said Debbie.

“I was able to continue as a headteacher with the help of a motorised wheelchair, but unfortunately after two years the pain and tiredness started to take its toll.”

After serious talks with her family and medical professionals, Debbie was advised to resign.

Before her illness, both she and her husband had been keen hill walkers.

“We even got married in our walking boots,” said Debbie. “But now I have to sit at the bottom of the peaks. It saddens me to see other walkers putting on their boots and heading for the hills.”

After talks with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and National Trust, Debbie set herself the task of raising £7,000 to purchase a Tramper, a British-made cross-country all-weather mobility buggy, which will be available for hire by disabled people at Malham Tarn, with a plan to develop some “adventurous” routes for more intrepid explorers.

When Debbie tweeted that she needed a venue for fundraising, the Country Harvest shop and deli-cafe in Ingleton stepped in to help. “The shop has been fantastic in helping get things organised for the charity day,” said Debbie.

TV presenter Julia Bradbury, Wensleydale Creamery, Theakston Brewery, Yorkshire Trike Tours and the Jorvik Viking Centre are just some of those who have donated a bumper crop of prizes for the event on Saturday.

There will be an instant tomobola as well as a raffle, which will be drawn on the day at 4.30pm.

There will also be a chance to see the award-winning Tramper in action.