Disabled man battles snow from John o' Groats to Lands End for kids' charity in Mercedes-boosted wheelchair
19.04.2023 - 08:45
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A disabled man believes he has become the fastest person to complete the journey from the north coast of Scotland to the bottom of England in a wheelchair.
Adam Stanton-Wharmby, 39, battled hail, snow and wind to get to Cornwall in what is believed to be the world's first Formula 1 modified wheelchair.
His chair was upgraded by the Mercedes F1 team to help him complete the 874 mile route in just 22 days. The team added lithium batteries, took 70kg out of the chair and gave Adam a new set of tyres - enabling him to go 60 miles on a single charge, reports Gloucestershire Live
Adam said it was a "relief" to finish the challenge and hopes to show that a wheelchair enables people to "live life and love it".
He believes he has broken the record for the fastest person to complete the route in a powered wheelchair - breaking Mary Laver's 24 days and 9 hours set in 2009. Adam, who has cerebral palsy, from Cheltenham, said: "It was an adventure.
"Gruelling but I was excited and happy. It was a big challenge. I wanted to break the record. We got to Lands End at 8.30pm on April 13. One, it was a relief. But it was an amazing thing to do."
Battling a range of weather Adam thought he may not be able to go on several times throughout the challenge, when his chair failed to work. He said: "My wheelchair wouldn't start one morning."
Luckily Adam found Cornwall Mobility, a mobility equipment supplier, who were able to help get him back on the road.
Adam said: "They got me going again. I was getting up at 5.30am every day and sitting in my wheelchair for 14 hours a day. In one position. Everybody I've met has been amazing."
Adam has raised over £3,000 for Whizz-Kidz, a charity which provided him with his first wheelchair. He said: "As soon as a