A north Norfolk Nissan dealership has raised more than £12,092 for the British Paralympic Association – putting them on track to success at this summer's Games in Rio.

Eastern Daily Press: A black tie charity dinner and auction at the Links Hotel, West Runton, helped raised more than 12,000 for the British Paralympic Association in their quest to reach Rio.A black tie charity dinner and auction at the Links Hotel, West Runton, helped raised more than 12,000 for the British Paralympic Association in their quest to reach Rio. (Image: Archant)

Crayford and Abbs Nissan in Gypsies Lane, Holt, generated the cash through a series of fundraisers held in support of the carmaker's role as Official Automotive Supplier of ParalympicsGB.

First, staff, friends and customers of the dealership cycled, swam and ran almost 12,000 miles – the distance from North Norfolk to Rio and back – raising almost £6,000. They also completed a six-and-a-half hour cross trainer marathon at Morrisons supermarket in Cromer.

Then a black tie charity dinner and auction at the Links Hotel, West Runton, gave the coffers a further boost, taking the grand total beyond the £12,000 mark.

The charity dinner featured an inspiring talk by Duncan Slater an injured ex-serviceman who walked to the South Pole with Prince Harry and had just returned from running six marathons in six days in the Sahara Desert for the charity Walking With the Wounded.

Eastern Daily Press: A black tie charity dinner and auction at the Links Hotel, West Runton, helped raised more than 12,000 for the British Paralympic Association in their quest to reach Rio.A black tie charity dinner and auction at the Links Hotel, West Runton, helped raised more than 12,000 for the British Paralympic Association in their quest to reach Rio. (Image: Archant)

The Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Colonel Jamie Athill Rtd, also attended and gave the introductory speech.

Guests at the dinner were also thanked for their support in video messages recorded by two-time Paralympian and Nissan ambassador, Stef Reid, and James Wright, Managing Director of Nissan Motor (GB).

In her message, Stef, a silver medallist in the long jump at London 2012, said: 'Thanks to all of you and to Crayford and Abbs for your fundraising efforts, which are amazing.

'Obviously money isn't everything but it's super important in our sport for performance and it feels really awesome to know that you guys are behind us and encouraging us the whole way. So thank you.'

James added: 'The total raised by the dealership is magnificent and will make a massive difference to ParalympicsGB's athletes as they prepare for Rio 2016.

'Raising this amount is an incredible achievement and my thanks go to everyone at Crayford and Abbs for the efforts they have gone to.'

Supercharge ParalympicsGB is the British Paralympic Association's public campaign to get the nation behind ParalympicsGB in 2016. The public can help 'supercharge' the team by fundraising, donating and following their progress: http://rio.paralympics.org.uk

Speaking after the dinner, Kevin Abbs, Managing Director at Crayford and Abbs, said: 'We're very proud of what we achieved and we're all massively looking forward to Rio 2016 and being able to cheer on our athletes knowing we've played a small part in their success.'