Portsmouth charity supporter and amputee will take on huge Olympics-inspired challenge for Chestnut Tree House hospice

Last year Harley, from Portsmouth, became the first person to take on the London Marathon using an Alinker walking bike.

This followed his Guinness World Record title for the fastest 10km on a seated tri-wheeled walking bike in October 2019.

This summer he will tackle his new challenge, the Alinkerlympics, which will see him complete 21 Olympic sport-inspired challenges to raise money for Chestnut Tree House.

Harley, who even abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower for charity once, has made some incredible achievements over the years.

These achievements are even more amazing when you take into account that Harley has a range of moderate to severe cognitive and physical disabilities including autism, Tourette’s, anxiety, OCD, XYY Syndrome, and hypermobility.

He is also a Symes amputee having had his right foot amputated in July 2018 due to a congenital birth defect which severely impacted his mobility.

Mum Vanessa said: ‘Harley has achieved more than could ever have been imagined. He has defied expectations and made the impossible possible through his sheer courage, stamina and determination.

‘Every day is a challenge and everything he’s taken on has been mentally and physically demanding, but he never gives up. He embraces every opportunity with vigour and enthusiasm.’

The ‘Alinkerlympics’ will take place from July 23 to August 8 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The full schedule will be confirmed nearer the time but will include the lighting of an Alinkerlympic torch and a closing ceremony where Harley will be presented with an Alinkerlympics medal.

Harley said: ‘It’s so exciting, I can’t wait to get started. My mum will be supporting me all the way as she always does. I am inevitable!’

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In addition to the Olympic sport-inspired challenges, Harley will be taking part in the Virtual Runners Tokyo Athletes Challenge which will see him running 5km a day for 13 days to complete a total distance of 65km.

Explaining what Harley’s support means to Chestnut Tree House, fundraiser Tracey Shaw said: ‘Fundraising during the pandemic has been challenging for all charities and we’ve been relying on support from our local community more than ever.

‘We’ve been blown away by the different ways people have been showing their support, and as soon as I spoke to Harley and Vanessa, I knew there was something truly inspirational about this challenge.

‘I’m looking forward to following Harley’s Alinkerlympic journey and I’m sure his determination and spirit will inspire others. Thank you, Harley, and good luck!’

Harley’s Alinkerlympics journey will be documented on Instagram @harleysalter and to follow or support his fundraising for this challenge, visit justgiving.com/harleysalter-chestnuttreehouse

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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