Lexi Chambers says support has been 'amazing' during wheelchair marathon a day from John o' Groats to Land's End
The former nurse and army veteran is about to become the first person to travel the distance by wheelchair
Last updated 7th Oct 2024
A Devon woman who's aiming to be the first to go from John o' Groats to Land's End in a non-powered wheelchair has reached Cornwall - as she closes in on the finish.
Lexi Chambers, a former Army veteran and ex nurse, is doing a marathon distance each day -and stopping at rugby grounds to promote the women's game
The 46 year old says the challenge is also designed to inspire others, saying: "I got told the same thing, you know, you shouldn't be doing marathons in your normal chair.
"I thought why not? It's my legs. If you have legs you go for a walk, I've got a chair ,why my not go for a walk in it? You can join your local 5k and club. you can go and do a 5k."
Lexi says the support, across the county, has been amazing, adding: "All the way through from the top of Scotland.
"Literally from the word go from John O'Groats there's been people beeping their horns and shouting out the window, running alongside the car and chucking money in the car - and we've had that all the way down the county which is incredible."
Lexi, an already four times World Record Holder, is raising money for the Exeter Chiefs Foundation and the Aaron Lewis Foundation.
A spokesperson for Exeter Chiefs said: "The display of sheer grit and human spirit will be an intense one for Chambers who is a below knee amputee facing three chronic pain conditions – CRPS, Fibromyalgia and nerve issues – which will make her feat even more impressive."
Lexi added: "Exeter Chiefs Foundation help people in the community to get involved in sport, and the Chiefs are a massive inspiration for me, especially the women. That’s where the second part comes in – we’re hoping to spread information on the women’s game.
“For lots of people, it’s more than just a game. Rugby can become a lifestyle and an inspiration. For me, when I see the women on the field each week – with their bloody noses, looking exhausted or covered in mud – they just keep on going. So, when I’m having a tough day in training, that’s what inspires me to keep going.”
Last year Lexi used Exeter Arena for the 12-hour non-sport-wheelchair distance record
There's more about the End2End challenge here which Lexi aims to complete on Thursday
Almost £4,000 has so far been raised through donations and there's a link to the page here
Lexi says she's looking at a challenge in America - potentially - once she completes her latest feat.