Billericay wheelchair user to make history with 96-mile hike

Daniel, 39, suffered the life-changing injury in 2015 which left him in hospital for four months as he underwent rehab and learnt to use a wheelchair.  Since then, he has defied expectations by taking part in treks across the country. 

Daniel, from Billericay, is now preparing to take on the 96-mile West Highland Way hike – a monumental expedition.

He will be assisted by ten brave volunteers, nine who have kindly come forward to assist him despite never meeting him before.

Despite being told the trek is impossible, Daniel aims to become the first permanently paralysed wheelchair user to complete the route and hopes to inspire people in similar circumstances to enjoy hiking and nature.

Daniel said: “I want to send a message about what can be done. I want to encourage others and I want to do this trek, video it and make it look as easy as I can.

“We’ve had sceptics saying this cannot be done, you will never do this, but I believe if me and my team put our minds to it, we can do this with the right adaptations.”

He is determined to succeed on his mission during which he will be supported by a team.  Daniel added: “I’m not going to stop until we make the end. I am spurred on by the ten people who are helping me and they have helped to adapt my standard day wheelchair, my very first wheelchair from eight years ago.”

Daniel said his wheelchair had been specially adapted with mountain bike tyres and poles to help lift it.

He added: “I want to show that this is achievable even without much financial investment.

“I have relied on others for a lot since my accident and this experience will be an exercise in blind faith, but I am ready.”

Daniel will be fundraising £1,000 for Back Up spinal cord injury charity, who he supports with volunteering work.

The charity for supported him in the aftermath of his accident, and he hopes he can give back by conquering the hike.

Visit community.backuptrust.team/campaigns/West-Highland-Way to donate