Q: Hi Chris, thanks for taking the time to chat to us today. Let’s begin with hearing about your condition and the challenges it has presented over the years.

Yes sure, I’m happy to be involved. I was born with Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus. Spina Bifida which essentially means split spine is a birth defect in which there is incomplete closing of the spine and the membranes around the spinal cord during early development in pregnancy.

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs within the brain, which meant I had a shunt in from birth until I was 30, when it was removed due to not being needed anymore.

These conditions presented me with significant mobility issues and I was unable to walk or stand unaided. I have used a wheelchair since I was 3 and I used callipers up until I was 14 to get around.

I have been very lucky in that the Spina Bifida has not presented too many challenges apart from stairs and getting into some places with a wheelchair, however things have improved greatly since I was born in terms of accessibility.

In 2023, I was experiencing considerable pain in my legs and persistent infections, so I took the difficult decision to have a double elective amputation.

I have always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie, and having Spina Bifida & being a double amputee has not stopped that.

The only challenge I have had with becoming a double amputee is I now have to use a small step to get from floor to chair.

Q: I know you do a lot of fundraising for Wheelpower. How long have you been a volunteer?

I have been a volunteer for WheelPower for 14 years and my role started as generally helping with Tour de Vale Bike Ride entries; I was very privileged to be made an ambassador 2 years after joining WheelPower. That role involves me going to schools, rotary clubs etc and giving talks about the Charity and telling my story. WheelPower is the National Charity for Wheelchair Sport based at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement. I really enjoy going and talking to schools and hearing the wonderful and interesting questions.

How do you continually push the boundaries of your comfort zone?

Whilst I never wanted to be an athlete, I was and still am very independent and competitive, especially against myself. I have the mindset that I can achieve anything, even if the odds are heavily stacked against me. I like to prove to myself that I can do something, especially if I am not a fan of the activity; a good example of this was powerlifting, whilst I was not the greatest, I wanted to continually go out and beat my previous PB. I am weirdly grateful that I didn’t qualify for Paralympics, because it prolonged my powerlifting career and helped stay out of my comfort zone, whether it be not giving up in training, when it got tough or eating things I’m not a fan of such as salad!

How is the training going for the events you are doing this year and what are they?

Training is going really well. I am putting the Ottobock Zenit manual wheelchair through its paces!. In January I did 100 miles over the month. February I completed the Dorney Lake Half Marathon. March was 1000 press ups over the month. April, I did a Marathon dressed as a bunny around Stoke Mandeville Track. In May I completed the Milton Keynes Marathon. From June-Aug, I started a virtual triathlon of Stoke Mandeville to Paris, which involved 116 push, 20 Mile Row & 161 Mile Handcycle. There is still much to accomplish and in September I’ll be doing the London Big Half, October is a Zipwire challenge and December I’ll be doing a Marathon dressed as Santa/Grinch. I hope to raise £10,000 for WheelPower through all of these activities.

How do you stay motivated?

Music plays a massive role in keeping me motivated, thinking good thoughts. Knowing that I am testing myself and challenging my boundaries keeps me motivated.

What advice would you give to others?

Never doubt yourself. Never let anyone tell you can’t do something because you have a disability. Never be afraid to challenge yourself and prove others wrong.

Thanks for chatting to us Chris.