Llangynidr-based Paul Lindoewood, coordinator of Disability in Wales and Africa (DWA), is aiming to tackle the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 2, completing the 13.1 mile course using two Pride Quantum powered wheelchairs.

His objective is to kick-start a new fund aimed at supporting disabled people’s organisations in Africa, via Welsh partners.

Examples of Welsh partners are Newport-based ResponsABLE assistance and Brecon Molo, who both work in Kenya; Health Help International, also from Newport, who work in Zambia; and Machynlleth-based Hazina, who work in Tanzania. 

Paul, married with a family, is a wheelchair user who also has limited dexterity and communication impairments. 

Between 1996 and 2005 he worked in Kenya, with the Methodist Church, as a disability community worker.  

After returning to the UK and then moving to Wales, he set up Disability in Wales and Africa, in 2010, to raise the profile of the needs of disabled people and their families within the Wales Africa Sector. 

This sector is a group of 140+ Welsh organisations who have connections with African partners, with whom they work to promote development.

Whilst disability has increased in importance in the work of Wales Africa, with many groups looking at ways in which they can work in this area, DWA believes that the next challenge is to encourage the development programmes to engage with disabled people’s organisations (DPOs). 

Paul said, “The last 40 years have shown that, in both Wales and Africa, nothing substantial will change in the lives of disabled people, unless the disability movement is empowered to become a driving force.”

As a result of this new drive, DWA wants to develop a fund, under the slogan ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’, with the aim of encouraging Welsh development organisations to engage with Welsh and African DPOs, identifying them as partners within the development process.

“There is a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills within the disabled communities of both Wales and Africa” said Paul. “Very often we end up doing things ‘for’ rather than ‘with’ disabled people”. This is an issue in both Wales and Africa and one of the aspirations of DWA is global solidarity between disabled people.” 

If you want to find out more about DWA please contact Paul Lindoewood on [email protected], or telephone 01874 730900, mobile 07983 593199.

Additionally if you would like to support this initiative please go to Paul’s Crowd Funding Page