A paralysed man from Oldham is hoping to become the first person ever to ride the length of England and Scotland using a chin-controlled quad cycle.

Andy Walker MBE was tragically paralysed when he was aged just 28 after he hit a rock diving into the sea in India.

With the accident causing a spinal cord injury, Andy's life has been impacted with immense challenges every day since. 

Despite this, he is "determined to live his life to the full" and has managed some incredible feats since his accident 19 years ago. 

Now 47, Andy has already conquered a series of extreme world-first challenges, with his most recent being cycling 350 miles across Kenya in a chin-controlled Quadrix bike. 

In 2019, he was awarded an MBE for his services to disability. 

Andy Walker receiving his MBE in 2019Andy Walker receiving his MBE in 2019 (Image: British Ceremonial Arts Ltd)

Andy's journey will begin at Lands' End in Cornwall and finish at John O'Groats in Scotland, clocking a cycle route stretching more than 1,000 miles and starting this weekend on Sunday, August 4.

In his "toughest journey yet", he will be raising funds for three charities close to his heart, Regain Sports Charity, Mahdlo Youth Zone and Leeds Hospitals Charity’s fundraising appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.

Andy has also become a motivational speaker since his accident and is passionate about inspiring young people by sharing his story, encouraging them to reach their full potential and live their dreams.

On the inspiration behind his latest challenge, Andy said: “Since my accident, I’ve had absolute conviction and determination to lead a full and rewarding life.

"Taking on these extreme challenges helps me continue to live my dream and make a difference to other people.

"This will be physically and mentally tough for me, but I’ll be able to get through it with the support of my friends and family, and knowing the money I raise will help transform the lives of so many people.”

Those wanting to donate to Andy's fundraising, can visit his GoFundMe crowdfunding page to do so

Andy and his team are hoping to finish the challenge in two weeks, travelling across the UK and taking in some of our island's most beautiful landscapes- through Cornwall, Dartmoor, Shropshire, up to the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, before reaching John O’Groats in Scotland.

Leeds Hospitals Charity, who are benefitting from a third of the money Andy raises, have £500,000 left to reach their fundraising target to build a motor neurone disease centre in the name of late great rugby league player Rob Burrow, who suffered with the condition.

Paul Watkins, director of fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity, said: “Andy is embodying Rob Burrow’s famous quote ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’.

"His positive attitude and determination has proved he can overcome his own barriers to inspire others.

"This challenge is an incredibly difficult one, so for someone to be doing that on a bike, controlled only by their chin, is truly incredible.

“All of us at Leeds Hospitals Charity wish Andy the very best of luck with his challenge, the money he raises will help us get even closer to reaching our £6.8m target to build a specialist MND centre in Leeds.”