Swansea man planning to travel from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a wheelchair

A SWANSEA salon owner is gearing up for an epic wheelchair marathon in order to raise money for charity.

Damian Hart, manager of Tickled Kids Salon in Swansea, is planning to complete the route from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a wheelchair.

The 39 year old is hoping to complete the challenge on his own, in May 2015, after intensive training.

Mr Hart said: “I have lots of backing from the spinal surgeon at Morriston hospital and the University of South Wales.

“I am also hoping some Paralympic gold medallists will help me in my training for the event and get some more people on board.”

The challenge will raise money for Treat trust Wales which is aiming to provide a state of the art rehabilitation centre, to be built on land next to Morriston Hospital in Swansea, South Wales

Mr Hart said: “I really wanted to raise awareness of disabilities and the charity so decided to take part in this massive challenge.

“I have already started training and went out in the chair on Sunday for three hours to see how I cope in it.

“I am looking at getting an especially adapted chair because the route will be tough.

“I am feeling really excited and pumped about it at the moment.

“The adrenaline kicks in when I think about it.

“I am just keen to get started now.

“I have never done anything like this before so I have very much gone in at the deep end and got lots of planning to do.”

The ride will cover about 990 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End with around 60,000ft of climbing – which is twice the height of Everest.

Mr Hart said: “We are also making a documentary of my progress and the challenge and have already started filming.”

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