A KENDAL teenager with a rare genetic disorder has now raised more than £8,000 for a wheelchair that will drastically improve her quality of life.

Ruby Bartlett has Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), a degenerative inherited condition that has left her with limited mobility.

The 16-year-old is trying to raise £9,000 to buy a lightweight chair which utilises smart technology that would improve her independence.

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Following an article in The Westmorland Gazette at the end of April, the Queen Katherine School pupil was inundated with generous donations.

"Ruby and myself are both overwhelmed by the response we have had from people," Morag, Ruby's mum, said.

"I would just like to say a massive thank you to all the lovely people that have donated and supported Ruby's cause. It has been amazing. We are both overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion of so many.

"Ruby is going to get her new wheels, which will make such a difference to her life."

This weekend, Stephen Whitehead from Kendal, is hosting a charity 'ride and drive' event at Kelhead Quarry near Dumfries, with 50 per cent of the funds raised to go towards Ruby's fund.

"My children and their friends were wanting to do some charity events at school and having read about Ruby in The Westmorland Gazette they thought that it was a fabulous idea to try and help her out to buy her wheelchair," Mr Whitehead said.

"I contacted Kenny Curran of Lakeland Land Rover who with his daughter Tara and her friends has been very supportive of Ruby’s fundraising and through him got in touch with Morag, Ruby’s mother."

The event will raise money for Ruby and another young boy, Elliot Haley from Dumfries who has Vasculitis.

Attendees can enjoy a BBQ, tour of the quarry in a Land Rover Discovery, a demo of electric bikes courtesy of Wheelbase Cycles and the chance to drive in one of the quarry trucks.

"The Saturday (June 17) will predominately be a business day but everyone is still welcome and Sunday (June 18) will be more of a family fun day," Mr Whitehead said. "It’s Father’s Day so why not do something different and come with children and grandchildren to show them some trucks, have a drive in one around the quarry and look over many different ones we will have on show.

Pupils from Casterton Sedbergh School will be selling cakes they have made as part of their efforts.

"All donations will be split between Ruby and Vasculitis UK and we hope to be able to help towards Ruby’s goal of purchasing her special wheelchair and experiencing the freedom we are all so used to," Mr Whitehead said.

There is no need to book, simply turn up on the day. Saturday, 12.30-5pm and Sunday, 11am-4pm. Contact 07836383822 for more details.