Former Truro mayor takes on Cornwall 500 challenge in electric wheelchair
Steven Webb will be travelling 500 miles around the perimeter of Cornwall
One of Cornwall’s most well-known citizens will become the first person to take on The Cornwall 500 challenge – in his electric wheelchair.
In two week’s time, the former mayor of Truro will embark on a journey to raise money for a cause which saved his life in 1991.
On 1 September 1991 a life-altering diving accident left Steven Webb severely paralyzed. The following day Cornwall Air Ambulance flew him to the Duke of Cornwall spinal unit when he took a turn for the worst.
Steven Webb said: "That little red dot in the sky gives so much hope - not only for patients but also for their families. I want to ensure they can continue saving lives, like they saved mine."
He hopes the challenge will raise funds, promote accessibility and create a lasting legacy.
Steven added: "Being physically disabled is a small part of the daily living challenge” he said. “It’s all the other limitations that life throws in the way. From the daily routine, to relying on others and the public services just to be able to live in a limited way.
"It takes two people over an hour just to get me out of bed in the morning. This means this journey isn't just about me covering 500 miles. It's about the entire team - the carers, supporters, and everyone helping to make a difference.
"This is going to be one of the most challenging things I have ever done “ said Steven. “It really is going to be a journey of a lifetime and I can’t wait to get started."
The fundraising goal is £20,000 for CAAT’s #HELi2 campaign to provide a second helicopter for Cornwall. So far the charity has raised just over £1 million towards its £2.85 million target.
"Last year was 10% busier than 2022, and May this year was the busiest on record for our air ambulance crews” said Tim Bunting, the CEO of the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. “It’s now that we need two aircraft in Cornwall to be able to save even more lives.
"We are incredibly grateful to Steven for embarking on this journey to help our campaign - without people like him, the air ambulance would not exist."
Unlike traditional coastal routes, The Cornwall 500 is designed for flexibility and personal exploration. Steven, who will be the first person to tackle the challenge, will place the first 50 plaques at key locations along the route, highlighting Cornwall's rich history, culture, as well as a few captivating stories.
The plaques, scannable with any mobile device, will allow future visitors to create their own bespoke adventures, using the nearest navigable Highway or Byway rather than the Coastal Path.
"People will be able to do it in a weekend on a motorbike, take a week in a campervan, take a month on a bicycle, or spend a lifetime exploring it in their own accessible way," said Clive Kessell, co-creator of The Cornwall 500. "It's entirely up to the individual to choose how they want to do it”.
Lord Lt. Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, President of CAAT, said: "We are all just a moment away from needing these life-saving services. It costs a lot of money every year to continue to save lives and Steven's daring feat will not only raise crucial funds but also significantly boost the profile of The Cornwall 500."
Steven aims to complete the journey in 20 days and will leave from the Alverton Manor, Truro, at 10am on Sunday 1 September.