A former GB para-athlete is preparing for his solo Antarctic expedition by running from Manchester to London.
Jonny Huntington begins his UK ultra-marathon from Manchester to London on October 31 – before his attempt to become the world’s first disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole.
The marathon will mark the launch of his 40 day expedition in 2024, which will raise money for The Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST), Adaptive Grand Slam (AGS) and Invictus Games Foundation charities.
The former athlete suffered a stroke in 2014 which left him fully paralysed down his left hand side and unable to walk for years.
Huntington said: “This is a massive undertaking for an able-bodied person. Add my restricted movements, especially my lower leg, and it takes the challenge to a whole new level.”
He will visit schools along the route of his journey from Manchester to London to speak to pupils.
He said: “It’s important I use this as an opportunity to inspire children around the country, helping to give young people the belief and confidence to attempt incredible things and live up to their potential.”
Huntington will ski solo and unsupported across 566 miles (911km) of the Arctic in hopes to push himself as far as possible and to break boundaries within the disabled community.
He said: “My hope is that this expedition will highlight that no challenge is insurmountable, whether someone is disabled or not.
“The motivation that drives me to reach the Pole, and get home, is that I really want to show that no matter what life throws at you – with enough determination everyone can fulfil their own potential.”
For more information visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/jonny-huntington-m2l
Featured image of Jonny Huntington. Photo credit: Chris Powell
