A TETRAPLEGIC man from Rogiet is scaling Snowdon for a spinal charity and is holding a fundraising event to pay for the climb.

Andrew Watson, 45, will be pushed and pulled up the mountain next July in a specially customised wheelchair.

Mr Watson became a tetraplegic two and a half years ago, after a fall in his house and the subsequent medical complications made it impossible to operate on his broken neck.

To fund the climb, Mr Watson and his wife Ilona are holding an open day at Rogiet Church Hall on Saturday October 13, from 2pm - 5pm, with an afternoon tea and art exhibition of Mr Watson’s work. From 7pm there will be a quiz and hot supper.

The aim of the ‘Watson Express’ climb is to raise awareness and money for spinal charity Backup.

Mr Watson said: "Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to take part in a multi-activity course run by Backup in Cumbria, where with assistance I was able to go sailing, canoeing and climb mountains."

This experience led to Mr Watson signing up for the Snowdon Push in July 2013.

To take part the ‘Watson Express’ needs sponsors and donations to register and purchase equipment including ropes, harnesses and waterproofs, and to complete alterations on the customised wheelchair.

The couple also hope to recruit 10-15 volunteers to take and push and pull Mr Watson’s wheelchair up the mountain.

Mr Watson added: "This gives me the opportunity to highlight that having severe disabilities does not stop disabled people having and seeing through their ambitions."

Entry is £1 in the day, with a donation for the afternoon tea, and from 7pm tickets are £6 for the quiz and hot supper.

To donate, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/thewatsonexpress or visit The Watson Express Team Facebook page.