'Hot Wheels' dad handcycling to Europe for charity

Darren Sables has been using a specialist handcycle for the challenge

A disabled dad-of-eight has set off on a 200-mile cycling trip to raise money for charity.

Nicknamed "hot wheels" for his speed, Darren Sables has set out from Doncaster and aims to use a handcycle to get to Helmond in the Netherlands.

The former paramedic is raising money for Sheffield-based Support Dogs.

Mr Sables said he would be pushing himself to "the absolute limit".

A spinal cord injury linked to his mental health changed Mr Sables' life in July 2020.

Since then, he said, his outlook had become brighter and he wanted to help others.

Mr Sables said he now understood "how hard life is when [you' have] gone from being able-bodied to being in a chair most of your time".

The journey is expected to take him several days

He has travelled about 50 miles from Doncaster to Hull, catching the overnight ferry to Rotterdam.

Mr Sables will now cycle 70 miles on his recumbent handcycle towards a campsite near the Dutch city of s-Hertogenbosch before a final 80-mile stretch to Helmond.

The trip is expected to take several days, with him hoping to return to the UK within a week.

Mr Sables, who also uses a custom glittery pink wheelchair, said Support Dogs was an inspirational organisation and hoped they may be able to help him in the future.

The charity provides assistance to people living with epilepsy or physical disabilities, giving them the freedom to live safer, more independent lives.

"These dogs are life-changing and I just wanted to do something to help," he added.

Speaking before boarding the ferry to the continent, he said the trip would be "fun".

“The only obstacle I envisage is the language barrier, but it’s so cycle-friendly.

"I can’t wait.

"If it takes me a week, great, if it takes two weeks, I’m in no rush.”

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