A GROUP of 12 bakeries and flour suppliers, including four in Bolton, have raised cash to help handicapped teenager Simon Meakin. Simon, from Ormskirk, suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - an incurable and crippling illness which affects only boys and leads to a gradual wasting of the muscles. In recent months the disease has taken it toll, resulting in the 16 year old being unable to push himself around as he once could. A new electric wheelchair was desperately called for, but one catering for all his needs would have cost his family £5,000.

Two anonymous entrepreneurs, who call themselves Action Care, brought together teams from the 12 firms to take part in a sponsored 10-pin bowling tournament at Wigan's Superbowl.

The firms included Greenhalgh's Bolton; Hampsons, Bolton; Hunts Bolton; Warburtons Bolton; and Waterfields Leigh.

Each pledged £200 for starters, with more sponsorship money rolling-in from other companies - resulting in a grand total of £3,500 by the end of the evening's tournament which was won by the team from Glovers Bakery in Leyland.

The cash was made immediately available, so the chair has already been given to an amazed Simon at an official presentation by Wigan Rugby League coach Graeme West and player Nigel Wright.

The fundraisers have pledged that the £1,500 balance will be found in the near future.

Action Care now hope to make the bowling tournament an annual event to raise money for a single worthy cause.

Simon Meakin said: "I am overjoyed with my new hi-tech chair. Its like getting a new set of legs. I cannot thank the people who bought it enough."

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