Beating the London Marathon for young wheelchair users: Stephen’s story

By Stephen Salmon, Talent Marketing Executive

​#TeamGuidant’s very own Talent Marketing Executive, Stephen Salmon, couldn’t have done us any prouder at the London Marathon. He shares his experience of the day, changing perceptions on wheelchair users and how you can support young wheelchair users to have a brighter future.

This is technically my first London Marathon!
This year is my second time participating, although I would consider it as my first official London Marathon. Last year was the first time I took part in the London Marathon, however, as it was a virtual event, the solitary experience wasn’t nearly as enjoyable (perhaps dislocating my shoulder had something to do with that).

Being surrounded by runners and supporters this time round was far more rewarding than I could have ever imagined, and was well worth the wait.

Completing the London Marathon has been a long-term goal of mine…
…even before becoming a wheelchair user in 2008. Finally accomplishing this goal means a great deal to me. Finishing the London Marathon was probably one of the last things I thought I’d ever be able to achieve as a wheelchair user.

Now that I’ve done it, I’m able to close a chapter that has been 13 years in the making and start a new one.

To get through the marathon, I had set myself two targets.
Firstly, to finish within three and a half hours. The second, to not be overtaken by anyone in fancy dress!

I ended up finishing in 3 hours 18 minutes and 15 seconds (for comparison, the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in a non-racing wheelchair set in 2019 was 3 hours 18 minutes and 59 seconds!) – and more importantly, no one in fancy dress overtook me.

An iconic marathon that tests you physically and mentally.
The London Marathon is widely regarded as one of the world’s most recognisable major marathons and offers a true physical and mental test – not to mention being able to associate yourself with a fantastic piece of history and getting to partner with a charity close to my heart like Whizz-Kidz.

Now, I have plans to experience some, if not all, of the other major marathons, but London, my home city, will forever have the greatest impact on me.

Changing perceptions on wheelchair users.
I live with the mindset that I am more than this, more than how people may see me, and I am far more than my impairment. The challenges wheelchair users face (be it day-to-day accessibility or finding employment) is a large part of who I am, but it doesn’t define me.

By taking on the London Marathon, I want to set an example for young wheelchair users to create goals and challenges for themselves, while shifting perceptions of what wheelchair users are capable of.

An important conversation and one google search.
I began my journey with Whizz-Kidz after a conversation with somebody who was in a similar situation to me during a pivotal time of my life-changing injuries. They suggested charity work as a way of re-engaging and building different experiences on the way to starting a new career and life chapter.

A google search for wheelchair charities brought me to Whizz-Kidz and I will be ever grateful for that conversation and suggestion.

Volunteering with Whizz-Kidz has given me a way to lessen the negatives of being a paraplegic while making more positive experiences.
I’ve been fortunate to witness the impact of the charity’s work; seeing young, shy and nervous wheelchair users turn into confident adults, leading sessions with younger wheelchair users.

The experiences faced by young wheelchair users will shape them into who they become in the future. The work Whizz-Kids are doing is crucial to maximising young wheelchair users and their potential to overcome barriers presented to disabled people.

Entering the world of work as a young wheelchair user shouldn’t be a daunting experience.
Organisations should look beyond the wheelchair and recognise skills such as the individual confidence held and their passion to grow.

I had originally set a £2,000 fundraising target, however it was quickly met, so it’s since been upped to £10,000.
At the time of writing, we’ve raised £7,686! If you can, any donation, big or small, is appreciated and will go a long way to changing the lives of young wheelchair users. You can learn more and donate here.

All donations will go towards Whizz-Kidz who will help support young wheelchair users in a number of ways. For example:

• £45 could pay for a young wheelchair user to attend their local Whizz-Kidz Club for an hour, reducing social isolation, and providing an opportunity to gain confidence.

• £260 could enable Whizz-Kidz to see a young person and their family at a local Mobility Clinic, where Therapists and Engineers will assess their needs and handover the right piece of equipment.

• £1,000 could enable Whizz-Kidz to provide an adapted trike for a disabled child. These adapted trikes give children a safe and fun way to exercise.

• £3,700 could enable Whizz-Kidz to provide a manual wheelchair for a disabled child, which is comfortable, well-fitting and lightweight.

• £5,500 could enable Whizz-Kidz to provide a powered wheelchair, helping a child to participate fully at school and in social activities and allowing them to keep up with siblings and classmates.

More about Whizz-Kidz
Their mission is to transform the lives of disabled children by providing the equipment, support and life skills they need, when they need them – giving them the chance to develop their full potential.

They provide disabled children and young people with vital mobility equipment, and life journey services, giving them opportunities to build friendships and have fun, and training to help them gain skills and look forward to a bright future.