The Wetherby Whaler has chipped in to help raise more than £750 for people who have suffered spinal cord injuries.

The family-owned chain of fish and chip restaurants played host to a number of West Yorkshire Rotary Clubs, which banded together to organised a ‘Great British Fish & Chips Supper’ event in aid of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).

The fundraising event is the largest Great British Fish & Chips Supper in the campaign’s five year history, with more than 100 members from the Rotary Clubs of Otley Chevin, Wetherby & District and Bradford Blaize descending on Wetherby Whaler’s Guiseley restaurant to enjoy a fish and chip supper and entertainment.

The event was part of SIA’s nation-wide Great British Fish & Chips Supper campaign, which sees people up and down the country getting together to raise much-needed funds for the charity which supports people with spinal cord injuries to live fulfilling and comfortable lives.

The money raised from the fish and chip suppers will help to pay for activities and services, such as, speech therapy for those whose injuries have caused them to lose the ability to talk, as well as training SIA’s team of support workers.

Philip Murphy, who co-owns the Wetherby Whaler with his wife Janine, is also a member of the Wetherby and District Rotary Club. He said: "We were only too happy to open up our restaurant to the Rotary Clubs for this fine event. I am a member of the Rotary Club myself, so whenever the Wetherby Whaler can chip in to help the Club’s charitable efforts, we do so.

"Spinal cord injuries, not matter their severity, are truly devastating. The impact on each person is totally unique, and the injury not only affects the person’s health but also their mental wellbeing and that of their families. To be able to support a charity that does so much good work, in so many different guises, is an honour.”

Roy Tate, Chairman of the Community Service Committee of Otley Chevin, organised the event. He said: "I’d like to thank the Wetherby Whaler for opening its doors to us and making us feel so welcome.

"It is the duty of members of the Rotary Club to actively stride towards improving people’s wellbeing and dignity, which the SIA does through its work rehabilitating and supporting those with spinal cord injuries and their families.”

Elizabeth Wright, Community Fundraising Manager for SIA, said: "Every day three people are told the devastating news that they are permanently paralysed due to spinal cord damage. In the lead up to the national Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness Day on Friday 20 May, holding Great British Fish and Chip Suppers is a fun and easy way for people to support the Spinal Injuries Association and to help more spinal cord injured people and their families rebuild their lives. We thank the Wetherby Whaler and the Otley Chevin, Wetherby & District and Bradford Blaize Rotary Clubs for holding a supper.”