I'll scale Snowdon – in my wheelchair (From Worcester News)

I'll scale Snowdon – in my wheelchair

9:00am Wednesday 17th June 2009 in

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A MAN from Droitwich is hoping to make it to the top of Mount Snowdon next month – in a wheelchair.

Steve Joyce was paralysed from the shoulders down after an diving accident in Newquay, Cornwall, in 1987.

Mr Joyce, who works as an assistant disability coordinator at the University of Worcester, is now taking on the 3,500ft challenge to raise £1,500 for the Back up Trust.

The 41-year-old has been working hard with friends, family and colleagues to build a specially modified wheelchair for the trip, due to take place on Saturday, July 4.

He said: “We have attached a BMX bike to the front and put a metal bar across the back so people can push and pull me up the mountain. Hopefully we will all be able to get to the top and back down in one piece – without having to use the train.

“I have been thinking about doing this challenge for a couple of years now but this year everything seemed to fall into place and everyone has been really keen and supportive.”

The Back-Up Trust is a national charity which supports people, young or old, with spinal cord injury.

The trust encourages self-confidence, independence and motivation following traumatic life-changing accidents.

Mr Joyce, of Teme Crescent, said: “I’ve been skiing with them twice and on a multi-activity week and they really opened my eyes to a host of possibilities that I never thought possible after my injury.”

Eight members of the 12 strong team had a practice run up the Malvern Hills to test out the new wheelchair Mr Joyce said: “Despite the pouring rain and miserable conditions the trial run went well on both the road and some off road sections. Everyone is really looking forward to the real thing on Snowdon in July.”

To sponsor Mr Joyce and the team visit justgiving.com/ stevejoyce4. He is also asking for suggestions for songs to play to the team on the way up using his MP3 player. Song suggestions can be added in the comments section on the justgiving page.