Wells has once again shown its incredible community spirit by raising over £12,000 through a 12-hour spinathon to help local teenager Poppy Garton purchase specialist mobility equipment.

Poppy, a 19-year-old with cerebral palsy, has been on a long journey to raise £27,700 for an Innowalk, a device that would allow her to exercise independently at home.

This month's spinathon marks a significant milestone in her fundraising efforts.

"The Innowalk would enable me to exercise both sides of my body in a standing position at the same time and will help prevent me needing corrective surgery in the future," Poppy explained. "I've been overwhelmed by the kind and generous support. It's really amazing that my local community are stepping up to help me stay healthy into my adulthood."

Poppy's story is one of resilience and determination. At just 23 months old, she suffered a stroke following a severe illness, resulting in Left Hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, focal epilepsy, and specific learning difficulties.

Despite these challenges, she has continued to strive for a better quality of life.

The spinathon, held on Saturday, 20th July, took place at Kingdom Training Gym off Jocelyn Drive in Wells. Organised by fitness instructor Rachel Rostron, the event saw cyclists continuously riding stationary bikes for 12 hours. Alongside the spinning, there were other community activities, including a cake stall and a BBQ hosted by Poppy's father.

A significant portion of the funds came from an online auction organised by Poppy's mum, Lisa Reakes, which alone raised £5,000. The auction featured a variety of luxury goods and local experiences, including a Mulberry handbag, a Makita Circular Saw, and a joint year's membership to The Newt in Somerset.

"We are just shy of the £27,700 target but we still have some funds to gather together," said Lisa. "As a team, we've managed to secure some truly brilliant auction gifts. I've been humbled by the generous contributions."

The community's efforts have brought Poppy closer to her goal, showcasing the power of local support in making a significant difference in someone's life. As Poppy prepares to start a media degree in September, the successful purchase of the Innowalk stands as a pivotal step in her journey.

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