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A woman living in Pensby has been named one of 16 JustGiving finalists at the 2026 JustGiving Awards after she completed a 215-mile trail in a wheelchair. She was nominated because she set up a JustGiving page for people to donate to her chosen charity, and finalists must use the site to raise money for a charity or a personal cause for at least 12 months to be considered for the award.
Mary Lamb, 67, originally from West Sussex, was diagnosed with a degenerative muscle condition that started to affect her mobility and mental health over 16 years ago. Ms. Lamb, who has lived in Pensby for over 20 years, has been fundraising for 13 years and has raised over £55,000 for a dog assistance charity. She's now secured a finalist place in the Mind Over Miles category at this year's Just Giving Awards.
Mary completed the long journey from Hornsea in East Yorkshire to Southport along the Trans Pennine Trail with her assistance dog and companion, Sheldon.
Mary was raising money for Dogs For Good, a charity that trains assistance dogs for physically disabled adults and children, those with SEN needs, and people with many other needs. From her 215-mile journey, Mary raised almost £4,000 for the charity!
What inspired Mary to take on the hard challenge and start her fundraising journey was her multiple assistance dogs. Since 2013, Mary has had man's best friends to help her, beginning with Yan, a Collie x Labrador, closely followed by Kingsley and Sheldon. Sheldon came from her chosen charity, Dogs For Good.
Thanks to her pups, Mary has regained her independence and has been inspired to give back to those who helped her.
Speaking about her nomination for the award, Mary said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed and incredibly honoured. Being nominated is something I never expected, and it means the world to me - Sheldon is absolutely chuffed too."
She added the award is not just for her; it's for everyone who was with her throughout her fundraising journey.
Mary is also no stranger to raising money for Dogs For Good. In 2024, Mary became the first wheelchair user to complete the Three Peaks Challenge, earning a Guinness World Record. She also raised over £30,000 for the charity.
On her fundraising, Mary told Wirral Today: "Sheldon and I wanted to make life possible for someone else, and so we embarked on our National 3 Peaks Challenge, for which I have the Guinness World Record for the first person to complete the challenge in a wheelchair and then the Trans Pennine Trail."
Judges from JustGiving decided the finalists through a panel, selecting four in each of the four categories, including Mary.
Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving, called Mary and Sheldon's journey "an incredible testament to their determination and teamwork".
If she is lucky enough to win, Mary will receive a personalised JustGiving Award experience recognising her fundraising efforts and impact.
Voting is open until September 13.
When asked what's next, Mary said she has no set plans yet, but would like to organise a charity walk from New Seacombe to New Brighton. Specifically, the walk would include wheelchair users and their dogs.
And Mary's advice for those with disabilities across the Wirral? "Remember that we only get one life, so please try and get outside and enjoy this beautiful part of the world".
