Hero Andy takes on world first challenge to fundraise for charities close to his heart

A man from Oldham hopes to become the first person in the world to travel the length of the country using a chin controlled quad cycle.

Forty-seven-year-old Andy Walker MBE was tragically paralysed after suffering from a spinal cord injury 19 years ago.

He was just 28-years-old when his life changed forever after he hit a rock diving into the sea in India.

Despite the challenges he faces every single day, local hero Andy is determined to live his life to the full and has achieved some incredible things since his accident.

Andy has become a motivational speaker and is passionate about inspiring young people by sharing his story, encouraging them to reach their full potential and live their dreams.

Over the years, Andy has already conquered a series of extreme, world-first challenges; most recently, cycling 350 miles across Kenya in a chin controlled Quadrix bike.

He was awarded an MBE for services to disability in 2019.

Andy will start his toughest challenge yet on Saturday (August 4), almost 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats.

He is raising funds for three charities close to his heart; Regain Sports Charity, Mahdlo Youth Zone and Leeds Hospitals Charity’s fundraising appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.

Andy spoke about the inspiration behind his extraordinary challenge.

He said: “Since my accident, I’ve had absolute conviction and determination to lead a full and rewarding life.

"Taking on these extreme challenges helps me continue to live my dream and make a difference to other people.

"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 and his team hope to complete the trip in two weeks, travelling across the country taking in some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes, through Cornwall, Dartmoor, Shropshire, up to the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, before reaching John O’Groats in Scotland.

Leeds Hospitals Charity, who are benefitting from a third of the money Andy raises, have just £500,000 left to reach their fundraising target to build an MND centre in Rob Burrow’s name.

Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity, said: “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.

“All of us at Leeds Hospitals Charity wish Andy the very best of luck with his challenge; the money he raises will help us get even closer to reaching our £6.8 million target to build a specialist MND centre in Leeds.”

You can donate to Andy’s fundraising page by clicking here

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