Harley Salter, age 26, supported by his Mum, Vanessa, will be completing 21 individual Olympic sport inspired challenges on his Alinker walking bike to raise money for Chestnut Tree House, a UK based children’s hospice for East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove and South East Hampshire areas caring for 300 children and young adults from 0-19 years of age, both at the hospice and in families’ own homes.
The “Alinkerlympics” will take place 23rd July 2021 - 8th August 2021 to coincide with the official 2020 Summer Olympics Games taking place in Tokyo this summer.
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 his very own “Alinkerlympic” medal.
In addition Harley will be taking part in the Virtual Runners Tokyo Athletes Challenge 2021 running 5km/3.1miles a day for 13 days of the 17 days to complete a total distance of 65km/40 miles.
All challenges will take place in or around Portsmouth and the South Coast UK and have been designed to take place irrespective of any continuation of the current Covid restrictions, though at this stage it is anticipated that all restrictions will have been lifted.
Harley is a seasoned challenger and fundraiser, individually raising over £15,000 for a selection of local and national charities including EnableAbility, Rowans Hospice, Huntington’s Disease Association, Royal British Legion and Mind, by doing such things as abseiling the Arcelomittal Orbit in London’s Olympic Park, The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and the i360 in Brighton; taking on the world’s fastest zipline; running the 2019 Great South Run; multiple virtual running challenges during the 2020 global pandemic and more recently becoming the first Alinker user in the world to participate in the first ever, record breaking Virtual London Marathon The 40th Race. These achievements have also seen him become a two time official Guinness World Record Titleholder and he was named a “2020 Hero” in The “News Years Honours List” by Portsmouth News.
These achievements are amazing but even more so 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, Hypermobility and is a Symes amputee having had his right foot amputated in July 2018 due to a congenital birth defect which severely impacted on his mobility. Since this life changing operation, 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 challenge has been mentally and physically demanding. Every day is a challenge but Harley takes on more willingly and never gives up. He embraces every opportunity with vigour and enthusiasm.
Harley’s Mum, Vanessa, who has created and coordinated the “Alinkerlympics”, will be by his side every step of the way as she has been for every single fundraising challenge, overcoming her own challenges and fears in process. And it is thanks to Harley that she has realised some lifelong dreams.
In Harley’s words “I am inevitable.” MARCH 2021
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We can't wait to follow Harley's progress during the Alinkerlympics and we're pleased to be supporting such an inspiring young man.
You can follow Harley's progress
Instagram: @harleysalter
Chestnut Tree House: www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk
