1200km Handbike ride to aid International Spinal Research Projects

Those memorable words, "you'll never walk again" and the thought that our efforts may one day help spinal cord injury sufferers in their fight against paralysis is what motivated my family and I to train for a 1200km cycle ride around the Netherlands. During the ride we were unsupported and I cycled on arm power. I had a specially adapted handbike from VARNA because back _{^{(excuse the pun)}} in January 2004 I broke my spine and I am now paralysed from the waist down.

"The Ride for Research" -  8th July 2006 to 5th Aug 2006

I called the ride, "The Ride for Research" and it was originally planned for the middle of June and I was going to cycle alone but my children and partner decided to join me so the ride started on the 8th July 2006 so it fitted in with their holidays.

The aims

The aims of the ride were to raise funding for spinal research and to help raise awareness for spinal injury. I also hope that the ride, in some way, inspired others, with or without, spinal injury to live life to it's full and take on personal challenges.

Stichting SCEER and the International Spinal Research Trust

The two charities that I am collecting for are the Stichting SCEER and the International Spinal Research Trust. Stichting SCEER will be using the funds to help support the EXOSKELET project.

The Exoskelet

The exoskelet project is research into mobility using modern day mechanics and state of the art electronics. The hopes for the exoskelet project are to help mobilise partial lesion sufferers and assist them to walk again. The project is still in it's infancy but the initial signs are very promising and I am following the project with excitement and anticipation.

Thanks All

I would also like to take this chance to thank all my sponsors and everyone who has donated already. With your help and goodwill, you have all helped turn my dream into a reality.  The Ride for Research.

The Route

To read more about the route that we followed, please have a look at the Ride for Research Route.