A 75-year-old Marlow man is set to cycle 740km this month to raise money for charity.

Brian had initially decided to support WheelPower by doing 1000 chin-ups but unfortunately, within the first few days of starting his challenge, he injured his neck.

He now plans to complete his ‘1000 Challenge’ by cycling 740km to reach his target.

Ever since having a pacemaker fitted 20 years ago, he has wanted to show everyone what’s possible, and what can be achieved with a strong mind and body.

He said: “I am always impressed with the positive attitude and determination that disabled people have to overcome such serious disadvantages and their desire to do as much as they possibly can. Watching the Paralympics is so awe-inspiring, incredibly motivating and totally humbling.”

Brian is no stranger to WheelPower and Stoke Mandeville Stadium having ridden Buckinghamshire’s biggest charity bike ride, the Tour de Vale on multiple occasions.

WheelPower provides and promotes opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity.

Brian said: “I am taking on the 1000 Challenge for WheelPower because I want to help others enjoy sport as much as I do!

"Over the years I have completed various charity challenges and I naturally thought that in 2022 it must be for WheelPower.”

After starting his chin-up challenge Brian soon reached 260 chin-ups and was reaching his 54 a day target as planned.

He explains: “Chin-ups are an excellent exercise, using many muscle groups including biceps, back and core.

"I regularly do them as part of my gym sessions, but on average probably no more than 50 per week and I know that reaching 1000 in 28 days will be tough!”

Unfortunately, these words proved true as after just six days Brian suffered a very painful repetitive strain muscular injury in his neck and his physios strongly advised him to rest from any upper body exercise until his body has fully recovered.

Despite the injury, Brian is determined to continue to push forward and reach 1000 by any means possible.

After the physios suggested cycling Brian now has his sights set on completing the final 740km and raising lots more money for WheelPower along the way.

Brian continued: “I have got off to a great start completing 300km at the mid-month point on a Watt bike in the gym.

"I am hoping to be able to add some outside miles on my road bike and that I can still add a few more chin-ups nearer the end of the month."

Matthew French, WheelPower marketing officer, said: “At WheelPower we are always interested to hear about your challenge ideas (whatever they may be) and are so grateful to people like Brian who wish to do something amazing to help us to transform more disabled lives through sport and physical activity.

"We hope you will join us in wishing Brian all the very best for this fantastic challenge and do make sure you check out his JustGiving page to keep up to date with his challenge all the way to the finish line.”