ACTOR Will Mellor came to Bury to launch a campaign encouraging disabled people to get active.

The 40-year-old Broadchurch star was at Clarence Park, off Walmersley Road, last Thursday to promote the Together We Will scheme that aims to put every disabled person in touch with someone who can recommend activities for them.

Mellor, who was in Casualty and Hollyoaks, is promoting the drive in memory of his sister Joanne, who was born with Marfan’s syndrome and had both physical and mental disabilities.

Joanne, who loved to cycle, died in 2013.

Mellor, of Stockport, told the Bury Times: “Being active was massive for my sister.

“We got her out riding a bike and she was nervous at first but once she got going she was never off it and it opened up a whole new world to her.

“My sister became a pillar of the community and, when she died three years ago, the church was standing room only for her funeral. She had the community behind her.”

Mellor added: “What worries me is that people with a disability might feel they are not part of the community and I would hate for that to happen.
“If you go to the English Federation of Disability Sport website, there is something that caters for everybody.”

The park was chosen as it hosts activities organised by Wheels For All, an organisation that provides specially adapted bicycles for disabled people.

Mellor said: “We’ve had a great laugh and a lovely day with some inspirational people and it’s been really positive.

“The work the volunteers and fundraisers associated with Wheels For All have done is amazing. 

“Some of the adapted bikes cost £2,000 each.”

An ambassador for the campaign is Amanda Morne, a 44-year-old mother of four who broke her back in a bicycle crash last August when she was training for a triathlon.

At last Thursday’s launch, Mrs Morne, of Sussex, said: “In my experience, being disabled can make you more reluctant to want to get involved with sporting activities.

“Even getting there can be a challenge if you’re unable to drive, but what we’re trying to say with this campaign is that, if you give it a go, there is a local organiser who can help you.

“Getting out there and joining in with activities like cycling can be physically beneficial but also allows people to make friends with other people and be more social.”

Visit efds.co.uk/get-active for details of the Together We Will campaign.