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Story from Jam Press (Wheelchair Across UK)
Pictured: Video grab of Peter Smorthit travelling 1,000 miles across the UK in a wheelchair.
Man paralysed by scaffold collapse travels over 1,000 miles across UK in WHEELCHAIR
A man who has been left paralysed after being crushed by collapsed scaffolding has travelled over 1,000 miles across the UK – using only his wheelchair.
Peter Smorthit lost the use of his legs after plummeting 20ft in the horror workplace accident.
Navigating this new way of life was tough at first – with him too afraid to leave his home – and he believed his sporting days had come to an end.
But as he’d been given a second chance at life, the now 32-year-old became determined not to give up.
And now, he’s travelled over 1,000 miles, from one end of the UK to the other, using only his wheelchair.
“I knew this would be my biggest challenge yet,” the disability sports coach, from London, told What's The Jam.
“It was on my bucket list and it hadn’t been done before in an everyday non-racing wheelchair.
“I’ve always been quite stubborn and determined, even long before I became disabled, and I definitely think that has got me to where I am today.
“I know a lot of able bodied people still have preconceived ideas of what they think a disabled person can or can’t do – and it’s not really a one size fits all scenario.
“No two disabled people are the same and the only person who knows their limitations are themselves.
“I hope by pushing the boundaries of what is possible from a wheelchair can help to change people’s perceptions – and maybe even inspire a few, too.”
Peter, who suffered the accident in January 2011, used to be very active; taking part in running events and charity bike rides – including LEJOG, a cycle ride from Land’s End to John o’Groats.
Since his accident, where he was placed into a medically-induced coma for eight weeks, he’s also battled sepsis, as well as three strokes.
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2024-08-13
Jam Press/East News
Jam Press
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