By Isaac Harvey, President of Wheels And Wheelchairs
It's crazy to think that this year we went on a journey from Brighton to Paris… and not any ordinary journey, a journey where roller skaters pushed wheelchair users on a 121 mile trek. The depth of connection and the challenges that was had along the way is somewhat indescribable but I'm definitely going to try.
My name is Isaac and I am the proud president of Wheels And Wheelchairs. If you know me, I love a challenge so when the idea of doing this came into play I was all up for it. I knew it was going to push me to my limit and it sure did in ways that I did not expect. This was more than a physical journey; it was a exploration of strength and the bonds formed under the shared spirit of adventure.
RAIN AND PIZZA
Our trip began with us having to shift our starting point from Brighton to Newhaven due to rain. Meaning we were not able to do the first leg of our journey, although it was a shame it did not dampen our spirits. As we shared pizza the air buzzed with anticipation, and despite the change, we were ready for what was about to come. The ferry to Dieppe carried us not just across waters but also into the heart of our adventure.
Upon reaching Dieppe, the real challenge began. We faced a route that tested our endurance and drive, especially on the longest day when we covered over 72 km. Despite the physical demands, where my legs started to kill me after the first two hours, the journey was visually and emotionally rewarding. The landscapes we passed were breathtaking, something you just wouldn't get if you were doing a road trip, so I took in every moment. We laughed, supported and just rolled with each other at its best. And with the support crew boosting our spirits with well-timed, nourishing supplies at every break and a warm welcome made every mile worth it.
Each day brought new challenges and with them, new victories. A particularly steep 1 km-long uphill climb tested our teamwork. The effort was demanding, but the shared success of reaching the top was exhilarating. This climb showed the strength of our journey - facing obstacles together and overcoming them with collectiveness.
HEARTWARMING
For me the most heartwarming moment came during our surprise visit to a local retirement home. The residents, having only learned about our challenge a few weeks prior, greeted us with cookies, decorations inspired by the upcoming Paris 2024 games, and an outpouring of support that surpassed language barriers. Their enthusiasm and the touching gesture of one resident who coloured in The Kingsguard gave our endeavour a deeper meaning behind what we were doing. Us rolling from one country to another meant so much to some people beyond our intimate community.
As we came to the last day before arriving into Paris, an unexpected tumble happened a day before. Accidents happen and I knew by taking part in wheelchair roller skating there is the chance of it happening. This was the first time in five years that I've tipped – evidence to the safety procedures, practice and skill within our group but a reminder of the risks involved in an activity that can push the limits when we are skating long distances at speed.
Despite some advice to take the support vehicle for part of the last day, I was like, ‘I have come this far, I have to see it through!’.
DETERMINATION
This determination was bought on from the support from everyone and knowing the significance of what we had just done for the past couple of days. Even though I knew I probably was going to regret it afterwards (which I slightly did) knowing how much pain I was going to be in, I just knew I had to do it. And that's what I did.
Arriving in Paris was a moment of overwhelming achievement. The challenges, both physical and emotional, finished in a great sense of accomplishment. Even more so as we rolled into the Stade de France, greeted by cheers and a sense of completion. The journey was evidence to what we can achieve together, no matter the ability. It's community got us through it and it's community that made us complete what may have seemed like the impossible to some people.
Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for every skater, volunteer, and supporter who joined us on this remarkable journey. Thanks to your support, I was able to get to the whopping number of £5,824, which it's thanks to all the generous donors who will fuel our future endeavours and help us continue breaking barriers. This journey has not only been about covering distance but about deepening our understanding of what we can achieve together.