ILMINSTER NEWS: Great start for fundraising for Jake Cullen's off-road wheelchair

FUNDRAISING continues this weekend to buy a special off-road wheelchair for local lad Jake Cullen who has the rare Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The wheelchair is going to cost around £14,000, but it will make a huge difference to Jake and his social life.

The fundraising work kicked-off earlier this month when the annual Bradley Cullen Memorial Match was held at Ilminster Town FC’s new headquarters at Britten’s Field.

Bradley, Jake’s brother, died three years ago aged 15 as a result of heart failure brought on by the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy he too lived with.

Two teams – Brad’s Lads and Ilminster Under-16s – played out an entertaining and competitive match which saw a 5-4 victory for Brad’s Lads.

The match is normally held to raise money for research into Duchennes, but this year Brad’s friends – Brad’s Lads – wanted to do something to help his brother Jake.

A tombola stall and other fundraising initiatives helped to raise £400 on the day and organisers would like to thank everyone who supported the event.

PHOTO - TOP: Balloons are released in memory of Bradley Cullen.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Jake Cullen with mum and dad Tash and Mark Cullen at the Bradley Cullen Memorial Match.

But the fundraising continues this weekend with a charity night with well-known Barry Paull and his Elvis tribute night on Friday, August 19, 2016, at the Shrubbery Hotel from 8pm to 1am. Entry is free, but donations will be most welcome.

And then on Sunday (August 21, 2016) there will be a sponsored walk – leaving the Shrubbery Hotel at 11am to Sea Bends on the cycle path and then back to the new Archie Gooch Pavilion at Britten’s Field for refreshments.

There will be tea and coffee at the Shrubbery available ahead of the sponsored walk and then more refreshments along the way at Donyatt Bowling Club.

It will cost £5 for adults to take part and a donation only for children.

Jacob himself will be doing the route himself and leading the way.

Organisers would like to thank everyone for their continued support for the appeal.

More photos from the memorial match can be found on this link: http://www.ilminsterpress.co.uk/blog/2016/08/17/bradley-cullen-memorial-match-august-2016/ .

PHOTO - ABOVE: Brad's Lads won the Memorial Match 5-4.

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