A 47-year-old paralyzed man hopes to become the first person to cycle the entire 1,000-mile length of Britain using a motorized bike controlled by his chin.
Andy Walker set off on his epic voyage from Lands End today, in a specially made quad-cycle with the goal of arriving at John O’Groats in two weeks—and he’s raising thousands for a charity involved in motor neuron disease (MND), an incurable brain condition.
The ex-competitive swimmer was 28 when he suffered a spinal cord injury after hitting a rock as he dove into the sea from Goa, India. He was left paralyzed from the neck down, and local doctors gave him just a one percent chance of survival.
But he refused to give up. He underwent a major operation at a hospital specializing in spinal injuries in Delhi, and was later flown back to England, where he spent a further eight months at Sheffield Northern Hospital.
“Since my accident, I’ve had absolute conviction and determination to lead a full and rewarding life,” said Walker. “Taking on these extreme challenges helps me continue to live my dream and make a difference to other people.”
Andy previously rode 350 miles across Kenya on a motorized quad bike and says he is motivated to complete these extreme charity challenges to “transform” the lives of others.
“This will be physically and mentally tough for me, but I’ll be able to get through it with the support of my friends and family, and knowing the money I raise will help transform the lives of so many people.”
Andy team, including his cousin Lisa and lifelong friend Alan, will be traveling across the country this month, taking in some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. They’ll start in Cornwall before heading through Shropshire, and then go up to the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, before reaching John O’Groats in Scotland.
MAYBE THEY WILL RUN INTO: Man Traveling the Width of Scotland in a ‘Bicycle Canoe’ Entirely Made by Hand–LOOK
One of Andy’s heroes is former rugby league star Rob Burrow who died recently at age 41 from MND, after relentlessly campaigning to raise awareness of the disease. A third of the money Andy raises on GoFundMe will go toward building the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, in partnership with Leeds Hospitals Charity.
Paul Watkins, the director of fundraising for that charity, said Andy embodies the famed rugby player’s legacy.
“Andy is embodying Rob Burrow’s famous quote, ‘In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’.
“His positive attitude and determination has proved he can overcome his own barriers to inspire others.
“This challenge is an incredibly difficult one, so for someone to be doing that on a bike controlled only by their chin, is truly incredible.
In addition to raising money for charities, Andy has also set up a motivational speaking company, called Living Your Dreams, to help inspire others to live life to the fullest.
HEARTWARMING DETERMINATION: Lad Cycles Across Africa Hoping to be Accepted at Prestigious College in Egypt–And Gets Full Scholarship
In 2019, Andy was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire, a title bestowed on Brits for outstanding achievements or service to the community over the long term).
At the time, he said, “I’m a bit of a character… Getting awards and MBEs isn’t what my life is about.
“I try to support people—and that’s what the challenge was all about, raising money and awareness for such a great cause. I’ve had so much support from my family and from the charity, so if I can help somebody I will.
“My main aim has been to prove that life goes on.”
DOES THIS INSPIRE YOU? Share It to Inspire Others on Social Media…