WARRINGTON paralympian Adrian Derbyshire is on the road to success to help stamp out hate crime by going the extra mile with his hand-cycle marathon.
The multiple medal-winning sword fencing champion embarked on his journey, with a launch outside Warrington Market, waved off by the Mayor of Warrington Peter Carey and Warrington Wolves’ mascot Wolfie (pictured).
Using a specially-constructed hand-trike Adrian is cycling the 355 miles from Warrington to Land’s End via an awareness-raising tour of the North West – a total journey of 1,000 miles.
His journey will take six months to complete during which time he will be visiting schools, colleges and universities to promote sport, health and wellbeing and disability awareness as well as educating children about hate crime and the affect it has on its victims. He will also be cycling the Isle of Man TT circuit.
Warrington-born Adrian has won two gold and three silver medals for Great Britain in the sport of wheelchair fencing.
Commenting on the launch and his journey so far, Adrian said: “The hand cycle launch outside the market was a great success; visitors to the town had the opportunity to talk to me about my campaign and also had a chance sit on the hand cycle!”
The event attracted visitors from Warrington Borough Council, Cheshire police, who were security marking bicycles for free and charities such as Warrington Wolves Foundation who brought along‘Wolfie’ for an opportunity to sit on the hand cycle. Active Warrington also brought accessible bicycles for everyone to try.
Adrian coninued his journey by visiting Christ the King Primary School in Macclesfield (pictured below) where he was greeted by 177 enthusiastic youngsters.
“I was completely exhausted but on a tremendous high,” said Adrian.
“Staff and children made me feel so welcome and they weren’t shy and asked questions about Hate Crime and different types of disability.”
It was then time to ‘Go the Extra Mile’ with the children who changed into fancy dress and either walked or ran around the school playground for a whole mile. Much fun was had by all in raising awareness.
Adrian was also invited by the Granada Reports team to chat about his campaign.
“I found it ironic that I have been on film many times through working with Channel 4, BBC and Sky but I’ve never actually been into a studio!
“I thought it was about time and jumped.. Well wheelied a moment of joy! Having worked with Lucy Meacock before who is one of my favourites on TV, it actually felt quite like home!”
To follow Adrians progress visit www.adrianderbyshire.co.uk
Adrian on the road to success with anti-hate campaign
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
