Pair who get stars to come out fighting

Published on Thursday 22 May 2008 10:27

TWO disabled men are set to embark on a trip of a lifetime to the United States – thanks to a little help from a troupe of professional wrestlers.

Mark Jolly and Mike Singh, who both suffer from cerebral palsy, have enlisted stars from the World Wide Wrestling League to help them raise 15,000 to pay for their journey.

Heavyweights including wrestling icon Mike Musso will take to the ring for the one-off spectacular in Portobello Town Hall next month.

The organisation which looks after the men at their Trafalgar Street flats has helped organise the event.

Local charity Free Space provides the opportunity for Mark, 40, and Mike, 22, to live in their own flats, giving them a sense of independence, while also being on hand if either one gets into difficulty.

The next stage in the pair's development is a trip across the Atlantic, something both men are keen to do.

A major part of this fundraising drive will be the wrestling event, which will take place on June 8 from 6.30pm.

Organiser and Free Space worker Laura Fisher said she was hopeful the night would go a long way to helping provide the funds for the trip.

She said: "Mike in particular absolutely loves wrestling and he was taken down to an event in Newcastle which he really enjoyed, so we thought this would be a nice idea.

"Mark likes it too, but I think he would prefer it live rather than on television. In order for them to go to America they would each need two carers to go with them and pay for their flights and accommodation, so it can all be quite expensive."

It is hoped the 500-capacity hall will sell out for the event, which will feature wrestlers from across the UK.

The two men have lived near one another in the development for some time and have developed a close relationship.

Ms Fisher added: "They live as neighbours and get on very well. In both their flats they chose the decoration and it very much reflects their personalities. The event should be a great night out and it's good for something like this to take place in Portobello.

"The league reduced their fees for us and the hall has also been very accommodating."

Free Space has a range of similar accommodation programmes across the city aimed at making disabled adults lead more independent lives.

Tickets for the event cost 10 for and adult and 7 for a child, and there is a family ticket available for 25.

They can be purchased from a range of stores across the Leith and Portobello area, as well as at Ripping Records on South Bridge.

To book a place at the event, contact Laura on 0131-554 0515.