Racing to the Top: Conquering Snowdon

In a remarkable display of determination and friendship, Josh Wintersgill and Maxwell McKnight, both living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), are gearing up for an extraordinary challenge. The duo are racing each other to the summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, in their powered wheelchairs in a bid to raise £100,000 for SMA UK and hopefully make their way into the record books whilst doing so!

Embracing No Bounds

30-year-old Josh’s nan raised him with the mantra “put can’t in your pocket and pull out try” and despite facing physical barriers, he refused to let SMA hold him back. When 19-year-old Maxwell mentioned the idea of hiking together, it sparked something in Josh.

He explained: “My good friend and I have set ourselves the mission, to raise both £100K and much needed awareness of the challenges people with disabilities can face. Having spent most of our lives using powered wheelchairs, we are extremely aware of the freedom specific powered chairs can provide.”

#KnowNoBounds

Set to take place on 15th June, the challenge has been dubbed #KnowNoBounds and will see Josh and Maxwell lead their teams up Snowdon’s Llanberis Path, covering 14.5km with an ascent of 1085m. But their daring feat isn’t just about racing, the pair aim to raise awareness and funds for outdoor accessibility. Donations will fund all-terrain wheelchairs and activity weekends, opening doors to experiences previously deemed inaccessible.

The campaign has gained widespread support from organisations like Lifestyle and Mobility, Sunrise Medical and JOST Explore. The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, led by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has also thrown its weight behind the cause.

Max, in expressing his gratitude, said: “We now have the opportunity to give someone a life-changing wheelchair. The ability to explore the world on their terms without bounds. The chance to see nature and all the world can offer without worry. Giving the opportunity not just to help someone’s mental health, but also education.”

Supporting the Cause

As Josh and Maxwell prepare for their journey, I’m sure you’ll join us in wishing them the best of luck as they raise awareness and opportunities for disabled people to experience and enjoy the thrill all-terrain electric wheelchairs can bring.

Be sure to follow their journey and send words of support on their dedicated Instagram page or you can donate by visiting their Just Giving page.