Two wheelchair users who met in hospital after they had both been in serious accidents 30 years ago have reunited to take on the John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge on their motor trikes.
Carl Brunning, 50, from Hull, and David Burdus, 52, from Corbridge in Northumberland, stopped off in Inverness at the weekend and are due to complete their epic journey today.
The pair are aiming to promote better access and employment for disabled people by highlighting the UK Government’s Disability Confident scheme, as well as raising cash for a new hydrotherapy pool for wheelchair users.
Their motor trikes, BMW R1150R models, have a built in electric ramp and a clip for securely fastening their wheelchairs.
The two adventurers struck up a friendship when they were left paralysed through spinal injuries and found themselves in neighbouring beds in hospital.
Mr Brunning fell 150ft when mountaineering with two friends in the Lake District and Mr Burdus crashed into the chevrons on a busy roundabout.
They were in hospital for seven months together and talked about one day riding their bikes around Europe.
Last winter, they bumped into one other while both were working for the Merchant Navy and a plan was hatched.
Mr Brunning said: “When we talked about doing it in hospital it was just a pipe dream – but now our plans have come to fruition.
“We have been having an awesome time in Scotland and have been greeted by so many friendly people. Everyone has been waving to us and stopping and asking us how we are getting on.
“In its own way, this helps break down stereotypes of what disabled people are like.”
Mr Burdus said: “The roads have been fantastic and the vistas have been stunning.”
The duo, who are sponsored by Premier Inn, Jet petrol and Greggs bakery, have two support staff and a cameraman who is filming a documentary.
On completion of the ride, they are due to meet the minister of state for disability, Mark Harper MP.
Mr Brunning said the pair were already making plans to ride from Hull to Istanbul for their next challenge.
Anyone wishing to donate £5 towards a new hydrotherapy pool should text SPLASH to 705000.