Mike's 6 wheel challenge for The Harpenden Trust

Mike’s 6 Wheel Challenge 22nd August from 10am on Harpenden Common

“Mike is one of the most positive people you could wish to meet. We have known Mike at the Trust for several years both as a client and an active supporter . He asked if he could raise money to help us with the work we do in the town for both young and older folk. He has developed an amazing challenge as you can see below. I do hope you can support Mike’s 6 wheel challenge by donating and meeting up with him on August 22nd. Thank you Mike!

Nick Luckett Chair of the Harpenden Trust Care Fund.”

Thank you Nick for your very kind introduction.

I’ve always lived my life wanting to give more than I take. Also that any challenge can be overcome. A belief that’s certainly been tested since I fell ill. "Aut inveniam viam aut faciam". (Hannibal b247 BC). “I shall find a way or make one”. A motto I’ve believed in most of my adult life. And just so I don’t forget I have it tattooed on the back of my neck. I know what you’re thinking and you’re right. Probably not the best place to have it if it’s there to remind me.

Chatting with Nick and my friend Richard about a challenge sent my thoughts racing. Nick was aware that I’d become a bit of a local celebrity. An excellent time for a fundraising challenge. It’s taken a couple of weeks to decide what, when and where and then the wording. Well as you can see. We got there in the end.

I would like to thank Nick and Richard for their support and encouragement.

I still struggle to understand my new found status. On certain social media sites my posts and stories have gained me quite a following. It’s got to the stage where passing cars beep their horns and strangers approach me all flustered and excited to actually meet me. A guy in an electric wheelchair with a cute dog. Not easily missed. Especially when wearing my now famous Stetson fedora. If I’m not wearing it I’m asked why not. I think many just want to meet Sweep. That’s what I’ve told him.

So back to the challenge. Along with some of my other health issues I have heart disease and an aortic aneurysm. This puts a limit on what kind of challenge I can do.

My cardiologist won’t even let me wheel myself in a manual chair because of the strain on my heart. I don’t let it get to me. Excluding my current issues I’m actually fairly healthy.

After brainstorming a few ideas with my friend Richard I needed to bin my first couple of ideas. The first idea is unprintable. A shame because I could have had lots of fun. The other would have been against my doctors advice so we needed something practical while still being a challenge. I still think jumping the Up’s and Down’s was my best idea. With Sweep on my lap he certainly wouldn’t have found it fun. If I’m a 100% honest, I’m not keen on broken bones. Maybe next time.

Two or three times a day I take the adorable Sweep for a walk around the common. I think It’s probably the case that he takes me out. Please don't see this is as just walk in the park for me. Well technically it is but....You know what I mean. Despite being in my chair each trip is a struggle. My chair is purposely built for the type of terrain like that on the common. When the common is dry the ground gets very hard. With each bump comes a great deal of discomfort. Each walk causes me to feel very fatigued. Every 30 minute walk I return home with much discomfort and very tired. So what challenge it will be. I intend doing as many laps of the common I can physically manage. With each lap being just over mile I’m hoping to complete as many laps as possible between 10 and 4pm. I know I have limitations and have to accept that I might have to retire before 4pm. I can only try my best  

So what can you do? My route will take me from East Common to Harpenden Farmers Market. I’ve included a map of my route. Sweep loves the farmers market and always insists on me buying him some sausages.

If you have some spare time it would be great if you could join us for a lap. Firstly it will give me someone to talk to. Sweep isn’t much of a conversationist. I spend ages talking to Sweep. He’s one word reply is always the same. “Sausages”. I guess that’s life. So if you join us for a lap you’ll be able to offer me the encouragement to carry on and stay awake. I don't do it often but I have been known to fall asleep while walking Sweep. I blame the common. it's such a lovely and relaxing place to be.

Please don’t forget why I’m doing this. The Harpenden Trust. Over the last 18 months they have worked endlessly as the number of those in need has grown. It's had a massive effect on their funds. If you’re in a position to help then any donation you make would be greatly appreciated. By The Trust and myself.

Sweep and myself look forward to seeing you.

Many thanks

Mike