A decade on from a life-changing accident which left him lying paralysed by the side of the road, Paul Fairhurst is taking on an epic 10 mile challenge trek.

On 29th June 2011, Paul set off for an early morning bike ride in Singapore which ended abruptly and disastrously, with him unable to move.

Following 10 years of rehabilitation, Paul, a resident of Box and a trustee at Bath-based charity Designability, will take on a 10 mile trek along the Jurassic Coast from West Bexington to Golden Cap in Dorset.

He hopes to raise £10K through the challenge to be shared between three charities close to his heart: Designability which creates and provides products that enable disabled people to live with greater choice and independence; Spinal Research a charity funding medical research around the world to develop life changing treatments for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury; and Back Up which provides vital support and activities to transform the lives of people with spinal cord injury.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Paul said: “June 29 will be the 10th anniversary of the beautiful, sunny day in Singapore when I set off for an early morning bike ride. That ride ended abruptly and disastrously, with me lying paralysed in a roadside gutter.

“I wanted to do something to commemorate that day because it changed my life, and the life of my family, forever. I also wanted to celebrate the role of those close to me who have played such a crucial part in helping my family through it all.

“On the theme of 10 I've chosen a 10 mile trek. Whilst I've walked 10km before I've never walked 10 miles in a day since my accident so that would be quite an achievement to mark the anniversary.”

Chief Executive of Designability, Catharine Brown, said: “Paul’s incredible story and his dedication to supporting charities such as Designability is inspirational. Knowing him through his role as a trustee for our charity, we’re sure that the drive and determination he displays in everything he does will see him cross the finish line and raise lots of money for three incredibly important charities.

“The #10at10for10 Challenge is particularly significant for Designability as we are currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Wizzybug Loan Scheme which provides powered wheelchairs free of charge to very young disabled children across the UK, allowing them more independence from an early age.

“We wish Paul every success with the challenge.”

For more information or to sponsor Paul visit his fundraising page