BRADFORD-born singer Gareth Gates has backed a fundraising appeal for Addingham man Jaime Lunn.

Jaime had a mountain bike accident in April 2020 that left him paralysed from the chest down and Jaime’s Journey fundraising appeal was launched to adapt his home to make it wheel chair friendly.

Gareth was asked if he could help this cause by giving it a mention on his social media. Gareth wanted to do more than just social media and went to meet Jaime and his partner Caroline at their home in Addingham.

Gareth said: “Jaime Lunn had an unfortunate life changing horrendous accident whilst out on his mountain bike. Jaime’s basic needs have dramatically changed as he is paralysed from the chest down and has limited movement in his hands.

“When I recently visited Jaime at his home, I could see he was struggling to get a comfortable position in his wheelchair and I took inspiration from Jaime and his partner Caroline who both greeted me with a smile after the worst year of their lives and an uncertain future. It is difficult to imagine how they and their two children have coped and dealt with life since the accident in April 2020. There is obviously an uncertain long road ahead for them all as a family and I would like to ask anyone who could donate money or equipment to help make their lives simpler and as normal as possible to please do so.”

Jaime’s Journey is continuing progress on the house adaption. They recently took delivery of a free pallet of plasterboard supplied by Galaxy Insulation, organised by John Roberts, who works for the company and also lives in Addingham. As a keen mountain biker himself the cause really hit home and he was keen to help.

A spokesperson for Jaime’s Journey said: “Galaxy Insulation are the latest in a long line of local builders and suppliers who have donated so generously to Jaime’s Journey. The structural work on the house is nearly completed, with plastering due to start next week.”

Recent fundraising has included a 127 mile canal ride and the mountain bike group responsible also organised a raffle with prizes including a full boiler installation, £2,000 worth of marquee hire and a mountain bike.

To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jaimesjourney?utm_term=dYw4rqyNR