Martin Hibbert, paralysed during the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, is cycling across Italy with Gary Dawson, also paralysed, who has supported his rehabilitaiton ever since.

Together, they will be keeping other injured people safe, well and out of hospital during the Coronavirus crisis.

Martin's story

Nearly three  years ago to the day, I was severely injured in the Manchester Arena bomb explosion. I was the closest person to the bomber to survive and and sustained 22 shrapnel wounds to my body as I shielded my daughter.

As you can imagine, it changed my life immediately and forever. I had the formidable task of rebuilding my life after injury - physically, emotionally and practically.

On the day I was told I would never walk again, I met Gary Dawson. He is also spinal cord injured - from a motorcycle accident 17 years ago - and is a Spinal Injuries Association Support Netowrk Coordinator. He uses his personal; experience of spinal cord injury to help others rebuild their lives. I quickly learnt from Gary that despite having been told some devestating news, it wouldn't stop me from leading a full life. To see him also in a wheelchair and to know that he understood what I was going through and that he was there to support me was a revelation. Gary helped me to return home to my family, and rebuild my famly life and career.

I would do anytihng for Gary. He helped me and now I want to help him.

Gary's story

I first met Martin when he was in hospital, recovering from injuries sustained during the Manchester Arena bomb explosion. I am spinal cord injured myself and used my own experience of injury to help and support Martin and get him home to his family. His progress has been amazing and I'm so proud of everything he has achieved.

Each year since they first started, I have done SIA's sponsored cycle ride through different routes in Europe to support Spinal Injuries Association's work with spinal cord injured people. Alongside my family and friends I have managed to raise over £30k, and want to keep that up this year! 

With the coronavirus crisis, my colleagues and I are busier than ever keeping injured people, safe, well and out of hospital. But when this year's ride was cancelled, I was gutted, but then thought I'll doing it anyway from my living room. And now Martin is joining me.

But we need your support, please join in and ride with us or donate via this page.