Teacher competes in powerchair race across Europe

Kate Strachecky is heading to Turin in the hopes of winning £870

A language teacher is competing against three others in a powered wheelchair race from London to northern Italy.

Kate Strachecky, 41, from Nailsea, will have to navigate cities, borders, public transport, and accessibility barriers, all while taking on daily challenges – to reach Turin first for the chance to win €1,000 (£870).

Race founder and wheelchair manufacturer Freedom One Life said it wanted to challenge outdated narratives around mobility and independence.

Ms Strachecky, who set off on Monday, said: "I've decided to live life to the fullest – and what better way to do that than by racing across Europe."

The mother of two, who teaches Spanish, said: "I want to show that with the right tools and support, anyone can live a full and active life, and I like challenging common misconceptions about powerchair users."

Freedom One Life founder Alex Papanikolaou said: "I constantly hear how stressful and inaccessible travel is to disabled people, so I wanted to make a big and bold statement and really show what's possible.

"With the right equipment, planning and support, we can lead the adventure."

The four contestants, with Ms Strachecky on the right, start in London

Mr Papanikolaou said: "The four competitors we've chosen each bring something totally unique and I can't wait to see how they take on this challenge.

"They're not just racing across Europe, they're changing the conversation around what freedom and accessible travel really looks like."