A Cumbrian engineer completed a gruelling 10-day cycle challenge to raise money for a spinal charity.
Andrew Waggot, a remotely operated vehicle equipment engineer at Sellafield Engineering Centre of Excellence in Cleator Moor, was part of a three-man team that took on the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle challenge to raise funds for Spinal Research.
The trip was organised by Andrew alongside his friends David Manuel and Drew Gill. David’s brother-in-law Connor Hughes suffered life-changing spinal cord injuries when he broke his neck playing rugby in 2014.
The 10-day challenge took place in June and was organised to recognise 10 years of resilience, courage and determination shown by Connor since his injury.
The group exceeded its original target of £10,000, raising over £12,000 for the charity.
The route was planned so that Connor could join the group for sections of the ride using a specially-modified wheelchair cycle and the 850-mile journey was completed within the 10-day window the group set for themselves.
They were joined on the road by Connor’s sister Sarah Hughes, who drove along the route with refreshments, repair kits and a constant supply of sandwiches to keep them going.
Andrew, who lives near the Sellafield site, said: “We wanted to do something to celebrate the vitality and resilience of Connor. His commitment to living a happy and fulfilling life despite his injury is inspirational and I can’t think of a better cause than the wonderful Spinal Research charity that has helped support Connor over the last decade.
“To exceed our target is fantastic and we’re very grateful to all who came out to support us across the country.
“The weather was in our favour and we had such a brilliant time on the trip. Having Connor along for sections of the ride was brilliant – and something we never thought he’d be able to do after his rugby injury.”
Suzanne Redding, Community Fundraising Manager for the charity, said: “Today we are finally at the stage where exciting function restoring treatments are being tested in human trials which offer real hope that curing paralysis will be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century.
“We are so proud of Connor for the way he continues to overcome the challenges caused by his spinal injury. His passion for helping others and his determination to live his life on his own terms is humbling.
“A huge thank you to Andrew, David, Sarah and the rest of the team that completed the cycling challenge and raised so much – we would not be able to carry out our work without this kind of fundraising.”
Connor, who lives in Kelso in the Scottish Borders, has now been appointed a fundraising ambassador for the charity and will continue to work alongside them to help others coming to terms with life after a serious spinal injury.
Connor said: “I am so happy to have achieved this goal – I never thought I would cycle again, let alone be part of a team challenge with my closest friends.
“Spinal Research has been vital to my recovery over the last 10 years. I am really pleased we exceeded our original target and I can’t wait to get started on the next challenge!”
Andrew added: “We’re all very proud of Connor and it was a special feeling to hand over more than £12,000 which will go towards helping other people living with spinal cord injuries.
“I am also very grateful to my colleagues at the Engineering Centre of Excellence who supported the challenge and donated towards the final total.”
