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12
Aug 2021
Knaresborough men trek 900 miles in wheelchair and on foot to raise £2m
Two Knaresborough men are on day five of an epic 70-day John O'Groats to Lands End challenge.
This is no ordinary challenge because one of the men, Lucas Schofield, aims to complete the route in his wheelchair — which will add miles to the usual 874-mile distance.
Lucas has Friedreich's Ataxia, a genetic, progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder, but insists it won't slow him down.
His best friend, Dan Stott, will carry most of the pair's luggage on his back.
The pair, who aim to complete about 15 miles a day, are no strangers to insane challenges. The pair have been planning this for two years and have found a route suitable for them both.
Lucas will be pushing himself most of the way but when he does need a helping hand Daniel will be there to push him.
The usual challenges of uneven terrain and weather are compounded by the wheelchair, which has meant adjusting the route to avoid the A9 in Scotland and therefore extending the journey to over 900 miles.
Lucas said:
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The pair have set themselves an ambitious fundraising target of £2 million. The money will go to Ataxia UK, Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust and CALM (Campaign against Living Miserably).
They are currently on £5,000 and with over 60 days to go are optimistic of achieving it. You can donate here.
The pair have been offered free hot drinks and asked for pictures on route. After being featured on BBC Look North they've even been asked for autographs.
The two men have no plans to slow down — they are already thinking of an even tougher challenge after this one.
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