A PARALYSED former fell runner has been given an amazing Christmas gift by readers of The Westmorland Gazette.

Our Wheels for Will appeal to buy a specialist all-terrain quad for Grasmere man Will Clark has reached its £25,000 target in an astonishing seven weeks.

Since the campaign’s launch on November 8, hundreds of readers have given amounts ranging from £5 to £1,000 to help the 27-year-old regain the freedom of his beloved Lakeland fells.

But it is a single gift of £12,500 from one donor that has enabled the appeal to reach its goal so quickly. The appeal is being lifted to its target figure by ex-Cumbria trading standards officer Steve Hague.

Mr Hague, who staged a remarkable fight back from suffering severe injuries in a motorbike accident 16 years ago, said he was inspired to help Will after reading the Gazette stories about his plight.

“I wanted to help Will to get back out into the fresh air up on the fells,” said Mr Hague, who lives at Heversham. “After my own accident, I know what it’s like to be unable to move and be told what you can’t do. I want to help Will to do what I did – discover what you can do in times of adversity.”

Will said: “The contribution by Steve is incredibly generous. For someone who has gone through something similar himself he must know how important it is to get back out on to the fells. I can't wait. I am very grateful for everyone's support.”

Will’s mum Angela Clark said she was ‘very touched’ by Mr Hague’s generosity.

The WoodStar all-terrain cart, which can be operated by head movements, can now be ordered.

It will be custom made for Will by Hull-based Cyclone Technologies to suit his size and level of disability.

Andrew Thomas, The Westmorland Gazette’s content editor, said: “The response to Wheels for Will – especially Mr Hague’s remarkble donation – has been truly phenomenal. I would like to thank him and all the other readers who gave so generously.”

The Wheels for Will Appeal, which is now closed, has been run in conjunction with the Will Clark Fund, set up by people in Grasmere to help support Will and enable him to continue living in the community where he grew up.

The Gazette is now urging anyone who wishes to help Will to donate directly to the fund, which is aiming to raise £200,000.

To find out more about the Will Clark Fund, visit www.willclarkfund.org