Words by Adam Stanton-Wharmby
My name is Adam Stanton-Wharmby and I am the proud owner of the first ever Formula One modified wheelchair and in a few weeks time I will be attempting to break a world record and raise money for charity.
I’m 39, and I have cerebral palsy, which in my case means I am unable to walk and have no use of my left arm.
Since 2017 I’ve been raising money for a number of charities by completing a series of wheelchair marathon challenges (Wheel Power Challenges) where I have driven my wheelchair from city to city. Previous challenges have included the London Marathon route, Birmingham to Manchester and Cheltenham to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, following the national cycle routes.
During the pandemic my wheel power challenges were postponed, but with restrictions lifted I am ready for my next marathon currently planned for March 23rd: John O’Groats to Lands’ End (#JOGLE). My total trip should be completed in approximately 22 days, beating the current world record.
This time I am raising money for Whizz-Kidz, a charity very close to my heart.
Whizz-Kidz is the working name of The Movement for Non-Mobile Children (registered charity No. 802872). They work tirelessly to transform the lives of wheelchair users across the UK, supporting them to become confident and independent young adults. I have volunteered for them as wheelchair skills trainer, supporting the ambassador clubs and Whizz-Kidz camps.
For this specific challenge I have had my chair upgraded by some very special engineers. During my last challenge from Cheltenham to Silverstone, a Formula One charity, Grid4Good got in touch with the Mercedes Formula One Team who then offered to modify my wheelchair to help me to complete my next route. This is the first ever wheelchair to be worked on in this way by a Formula One Team. I am now the excited and proud owner of a purpose made-to-measure wheelchair. You can read an article about it here.
You can find out more on my JustGiving page.
I intend to do more interviews and promotions over the next few weeks including on my Instagram account (@challenge.adam) and twitter (@challengeadam83)and would absolutely love to promote this challenge as far and wide as possible so I can raise as much money as possible for charity, and raise awareness of the challenges faced by wheelchair users.
People would describe me as a happy, positive, motivated person giving 100% to what I commit to, I cannot wait to start this challenge and hopefully beat the record!
