This month, Wells is set to host a significant community event, the 12-hour Wells Spinathon, aiming to fund an essential piece of equipment for Poppy Garton, a 19-year-old local resident with physical challenges.

Scheduled for Saturday, 20th July, the spinathon seeks to culminate five years of fundraising efforts to acquire an Innowalk for Poppy, a device that allows independent exercise.

Having suffered a stroke at just 23 months old following a severe illness, Poppy has been left with Left Hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, focal epilepsy, and specific learning difficulties. "I can't remember not being disabled. It is my life now, but it is hard, and I do struggle with how difficult things can be," Poppy shared. She plans to use the Innowalk several times a week to maintain her fitness.

The event, organised by family and volunteers, will feature 20 bikes at the Kingdom Training Gym on the Keward Estate from 7am.

Local fitness instructor Rachel Rostron will lead each of the 12 one-hour spin sessions. "I still need spinners to come forward and book an hour's slot at £10," said Rostron, who has seen groups such as the local fire station commit to the entire event, but notes that individual slots are still available.

Participants can book by contacting Rachel at [email protected] or through the event's Facebook page. Beyond spinning, the day will also offer community engagement with a cake stall manned by Poppy from 10am to 4pm and a BBQ hosted by her father starting at 6pm.

The fundraising efforts extend beyond the physical event, with an online auction scheduled for the same weekend. Items up for bid include luxury goods and local experiences, from a Mulberry handbag to tickets for Glastonbury's Night at the Abbey music event.

Lisa, Poppy's mother, said: "As a team, we've managed to secure some truly brilliant auction gifts. I've been humbled by the generous contributions.

"The gifts will be released in stages over the weekend and include a Mulberry handbag, Makita Circular Saw, joint year membership to The Newt Somerset, online reading from internationally renowned tarot reader Barbara Hennessey, local cider and wine, hampers, MOT voucher, hair styling, meals out, tattoo session, Ayurveda facial and sport massages, 2-hour beginners crochet class, grass cutting service and two tickets to Glastonbury's Night at the Abbey music event in August."

Those unable to attend can still contribute to Poppy's cause via a crowdfunding page or by dropping donations at collection boxes located throughout Wells.

As Poppy prepares to start a media degree in September, the successful purchase of the Innowalk stands as a pivotal step in her journey.

To learn more about the Spinathon, participate in the auction, or donate, visit the official event pages linked in the Facebook event descriptions.