A Wakefield-based archer has been recognised for his “inspirational” fundraising efforts to support disability archery, as local MP Simon Lightwood visited a community archery centre to celebrate his achievements.
Simon Lightwood, MP for Wakefield and Rothwell, visited King in The North, an archery and chess centre in Wakefield, on Friday 7 August to commend local archer Simon Kitchener for his outstanding contribution to the Marchers for Archers campaign. The initiative, led by Archery GB in partnership with The Worshipful Company of Fletchers, raised funds for the Access Archery Fund, supporting disabled people to take part in archery.
Simon Kitchener, a disabled archer living with a range of complex health needs, discovered archery in December 2025. Since then, he has credited the sport with transforming his wellbeing, helping him rebuild confidence, stay active at his own pace, manage pain, reduce stress, and build new friendships, while giving him a sense of progress and achievement each week.
Archery is widely recognised as one of the most inclusive sports, enabling people of all ages and abilities to participate and compete together. However, barriers to access still exist for many disabled archers. The Access Archery Fund aims to address these challenges by providing practical, long-term support to clubs and organisations across the UK, ensuring inclusive opportunities are available to all.
The Marchers for Archers campaign brought together archers, clubs, and activity partners nationwide, who set themselves personal challenges, walking, running, shooting, or stepping, to raise funds and awareness for the Access Archery Fund. The campaign demonstrated the strength, passion, and community spirit within archery, raising an impressive £14,994.25 in total.
Simon Kitchener emerged as the second highest fundraiser, raising £1,541.25 through his “1000 Arrows” challenge which he completed in seven hours. His efforts played a significant role in the campaign’s success, helping to secure Marchers for Archers as an annual initiative, with ambitions to expand its reach and impact year on year.
Gayle Pink, Archery GB’s Head of Participation, said: "We were blown away by the way the archery community embraced the Marchers for Archers challenge. Simon's achievement is truly inspirational given the barriers he has had to overcome through his own disabilities. To challenge himself in this way and raise so much money for the fund is truly humbling. Well done to Simon and all of our other fundraisers."
Simon Kitchener said: "Growing up disabled meant spending my youth in a wheelchair or on crutches, so I know how easily sport can feel out of reach. Archery became important to me years later while I was working through a divorce, something steady to hold onto when life wasn't.
"When I heard about Marchers for Archers, I felt inspired to get involved; I could support my own mental health while helping others access opportunities they may never have had.
"Thank you to my family, my coaches, and everyone who donated."
To mark this achievement, Simon Lightwood MP was joined by key representatives from the organisations behind the campaign, including Hilda Gibson (Master, Worshipful Company of Fletchers) and Andrew McMillan (Chair of The Fletchers' Trust), alongside Ryan Grewcock (Head of Learning and Development) and Gayle Pink (Head of Participation) from Archery GB.
Simon Lightwood MP said: "It was a real pleasure to visit King in The North and meet my constituent, Simon Kitchener, to hear about his remarkable fundraising achievement.
"Simon's story is a powerful example of how sport can transform lives, helping people build confidence, improve their wellbeing, and connect with others in their community.
"Raising more than £1,500 through his ‘1000 Arrows’ challenge is an outstanding accomplishment, and his determination and resilience are truly inspirational."
The Access Archery Fund, which opened in April, is already making a meaningful impact. Applications from Archery GB clubs and Archery Activity Partners are supporting initiatives that enhance accessibility and inclusion for disabled archers. Eight grants have been awarded in the first round, while the second-round closed on 2 August 2026.
Andrew McMillan, Chairman from The Fletchers’ Trust, said: "Working with the AGB team, we at the Fletchers' Trust are pleased to host the Access Archery Fund within the Trust and are delighted with progress so far both in the initial fundraising and in having made the first grants earlier this month. We are planning for more grants as we move into autumn, and it is not too late to apply."
