Adam aims to break John O’Groats to Land’s End record in F1-modified wheelchair
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A motorsport fan is attempting to set a new record by travelling from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a powered wheelchair modified by a Formula 1 team.
Adam Stanton-Wharmby plans to set off from Groats on March 23 and hopes to complete the journey in 22 days, beating the current record set in 2009. He will be raising money for Whizz-Kidz, a UK charity for young wheelchair users.
Adam (39), of Cheltenham, has cerebral palsy, which in his case means he is unable to walk and has no use of his left arm. In 1990, when Whizz-Kidz launched, Adam was one of the first beneficiaries of a wheelchair from the charity.
"Whizz-Kidz is very close to my heart," he said.
Adam has been taking part in wheelchair challenges since 2017, raising money for a number of charities and raising awareness of accessibility.
During his last challenge, from Cheltenham to Silverstone, Formula 1 charity Grid4Good got in touch with the Mercedes Formula 1 team who offered to modify his powered wheelchair to help him to complete the end-to-end route.
Adam said: “For this project I wanted to highlight and investigate the issue of limited battery power specifically, both for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as this was the main challenge that I faced in my previous fundraising efforts.
"With the rise of electric cars and charging points, I also aim to look into whether this would be a viable solution as a charging option for wheelchair users.
“I am really pleased to be supporting Whizz-Kidz in my latest and biggest challenge. It works tirelessly to transform the lives of wheelchair users across the UK, supporting them to become confident and independent young adults.
"I was lucky to be one of the first beneficiaries from the charity and received my first powered wheelchair from them when I was seven years old.
“I have volunteered for the charity as a wheelchair skills trainer, supporting the ambassador clubs and Whizz-Kidz camps. When I volunteer, I see how excited the kids get when they're in their powered wheelchairs being able to move around independently.”
Adam, who describes himself as an avid F1 fan, said: "This is the first ever wheelchair to be worked on in this way by a Formula 1 team."
The existing record for this specific challenge was set by Mary Laver, who completed the route in 2009 in 24 days.
More information is on Adam's JustGiving page.
Sarah Pugh, chief executive of Whizz-Kidz, said: “We are thrilled that Adam is taking on this massive challenge and supporting Whizz-Kidz. It is a huge task and we will be cheering him along on this adventure.
"We rely on the generosity and dedication of people like Adam, as without them we would not be able to transform the lives of young wheelchair users across the UK. Too many young people aren’t getting the wheelchair or support that fully meets their needs.
"Without the ability to be independent, young wheelchair users are restricted in their chances to socialise and participate with friends and family and society. We’re here to change that.”
Adam added: "I have loved Formula 1 since I was very young. Driving my powered wheelchairs, racing them, pretending I was Formula One drivers... it was amazing.
"My parents gave me life. My wheelchairs have enabled me to live it and love it."
