The Mayor of Carlisle, Pam Birks, attended the launch of a charity project in the city over the weekend.

‘Project Belief’ is being organised by veteran Mark Harding, with a group of volunteers looking to raise valuable funds for charity.

Cllr Birks said: “On Saturday I was honoured as Mayor to be invited to the launch meeting for 'Project Belief' at Carlisle Military Museum.

“Lance Corporal Mark Harding and his team are very motivated to raise much needed money for amazing military charities that help veterans, including The Soldiers' Charity, Walking with the Wounded and little Isabelle Grundy. Isabelle is fighting for her life with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma and is the daughter of Blaine and Alison Grundy, who are part of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment family.

“Lance Corporal Harding was injured during the Afghanistan conflict and was told that realistically he wouldn't walk again - he proved everyone wrong. He not only walks, he raises money while he walks, rows, cross country ski etc.

“Nothing deters him in his own words: ‘My road to recovery wasn't an easy one but with the NHS and two veteran charities I am where I am today.  Now it's my turn to give something back to them’."

This year Mark has an ambitious calendar to raise £2.5 million to get Isabella and her family to America for treatment and build the funds available for the Veterans charities.

Alongside fellow veterans and colleagues, he will be rowing a Dragon Boat from Preston to London, a total of 318 miles in nine days. There is hope that they can get into the Guinness Book of Records.

Mark will also take to the air for a sky dive, as well as taking part in the Great North Run, ‘bagging’ all 282 Munros in Scotland and hosting a black-tie ball at the end of the year.

Mark is looking for corporate sponsors for his charity are any local businesses interested.

If you would like to join Mark’s team on some of the events planned, you can get in touch at mhprojectbelief@gmail.com.  To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/project-belief.