A wheelchair athlete has claimed a new world record after pushing himself from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Anthony Gotts became the first person to complete the gruelling journey from the far south of Britain to the far north in a manual wheelchair.
The former Clayton Harrier covered the 900 miles in 20 days - eight less than he aimed for, accompanied by support cyclists and a motorhome.
Through his challenge, Anthony, who works for race events business Cannonball Events, is raising money for the 53 Foundation, a charity which works to create active opportunities for people with disabilities.
Delighted Anthony, 32, said: “It felt amazing to see the famous sign post, even better having my dog, Bonnie, running the last half mile with me. The journey was tough at times but mainly fun. I beat my target by eight days, pushed up to 61 miles a day and reached speeds of 46 miles per hour. I’m proud I’ve done it and I am glad the money raised will go towards helping disabled people get active.
“There will only ever be one first person to hold that record, and like Roger Bannister’s four-minute mile, people will break the record but the trailblazer is the one people remember. Beating the electric wheelchair record by 10 days felt grand too.”
Anthony, of Helmshore, set off at 9am on June 14, pushing 40 to 50 miles a day for three weeks, and made it to the finishing point on July 3, without taking a single rest day.
Campsites offered him and his team free pitches each night, while businesses offered meals, sports supplements and physiotherapy, and bystanders and drivers cheered him on.
Anthony, a former able-bodied athlete, lost the use of his legs after a long jumping accident while he was taking part in a 20-event double decathlon at the World Ultra Multi Events Championship in Finland in 2007.
He suffered torn muscles, damaged blood vessels and nerves, and a broken pelvis, and gradually lost the use of both of his legs. Unable to compete and train, he slipped into depression, piled on three stone in weight, and became broke, surviving off benefits.
He said: “I went from being a top runner, aiming for the Olympic trials, to being in a wheelchair, needing carers in my house. I needed counselling and there were a lot of dark days.”
However, one day Anthony decided to try a lap around a track in his wheelchair, and gradually built up his speed, strength and emotional resilience. He found a joined a sports club for disabled people and made his way back to fitness, taking on the World Marathon Championships in London and several races across Europe. Anthony is so far just over half of his way towards his fundraising goal of £5,000.
To donate, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/events/aglejog/308610 or text TFTF16 to 70070.
