Paralympics: Disability sports club to skate from Brighton to Paris

Wheels and Wheelchairs, a group which promotes and facilitates wheelchair skating, will set off from Hove Lawns with 35 skaters and five wheelchair users.

On August 24, the group will travel to Newhaven before crossing the English Channel by ferry to reach Dieppe in Normandy, France.

The team will make its way to Arques-la-Bataille, Gournay-en-Bray and Amblainville, before reaching its destination of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine in Paris on August 28, where it hopes to watch the games on the big screen.

Isaac Harvey, the president of Wheels and Wheelchairs, was a torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics.

Mr Harvey, who is based in Ilford, East London, said: “Wheels and Wheelchairs was born in 2012 and then 12 years later, knowing that I held the torch and that I’m doing something towards the Paralympics, it comes full circle in so many different ways.

The challenge will take the group four days to complete (Image: Muhayman Jamil/PA Wire)

“This is the group’s first big skate after Covid, so we’re all really excited for it, even though I know it’s going to really push my body to the limit.

“I think when we start on Saturday morning, that will be the time when we all think, okay, now it’s real.”

“Then, to get to Paris at the end will be such a huge achievement for what Wheels and Wheelchairs is able to achieve, but also the wider picture of what we’re able to achieve when we come together as a community.

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“People with disabilities are able to have a very fulfilling life and it doesn’t just stop if you have a disability.

“Also, I think it’s important to mention that it’s not all plain sailing either – there are daily obstacles living in this world with a disability, where it can create huge challenges and barriers, but once overcome life can truly be something great.”

A crowdfunder was set up by the group, based in London, to fund the costs of travel and food on the trip.

Mr Harvey said: “Even beyond the donations, a lot of people have left messages saying they really want us to achieve this, so it’s been quite humbling and we’re all very grateful.”