A TEENAGER hopes to overcome his disabilities and complete an iconic trial over rugged countryside in the North Pennines, by wheelchair.

Brynn Hauxwell is attempting to complete the 84-miles of Hadrian’s Wall Trail, backed by a support team including his mother Kim, uncle Chris and trail and tour guide Dave Wilson, also known as Great North Dave, plus a trio of helpers from Ability Shetland, the charity he is supporting on the challenge.

The family, from the Shetland Isles, have connections to the Hauxwells of the North East, including the inspirational daleswoman, Hannah.

Known through his social media pages ‘Breaking Down Barriers with Brynn’, the 16-year-old has a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, severe asthma and also has fixed ankle contractures which means he relies on a wheelchair for mobility.

A Roman history enthusiast, he set himself the challenge of pushing himself along the 84 miles of the trail in the 1,900th anniversary year of the start of the construction of the wall.

Read more: A beginner's guide to Hadrian's Wall 1900

“Ever since I was 12-years-old I have dreamt about completing the Hadrian’s Wall 84-mile trail after seeing some parts of the wall in my wheelchair and visiting some of the museums,” said Brynn.

“I always thought this dream was impossible and people still tell me that it is and that I’m crazy for even thinking about doing it.

“I will have a support team with me who will help me over the stiles and help me with some of the more challenging sections.

“I don’t know if this has ever been attempted in a wheelchair before, but I’m determined to break down those barriers and complete this impossible challenge.

“I am going to attempt this challenge to raise money for Ability Shetland, a charity that provides support to people all over Shetland, from children’s clubs, sports clubs, art groups, helping them to go on boat trips and walks.”

He said Ability Shetland helped him to rediscover the “great outdoors” and gave him his “freedom”.

Although he set a £1,000 fundraising target on Just Giving, he has now surpassed £7,000 in donations, a week ahead of the challenge.

Brynn thanked the Youth Hostel Association England and Wales for providing him and his team with accessible accommodation, as well as the Northumberland National Park for supporting the challenge as part of the 1,900th anniversary celebrations.

The team set off for the mainland, taking the overnight ferry from Lerwick to Aberdeen last night, and aim to begin the Coast-to-Coast route from Bowness on Solway next Friday, May 27, in the hope of completing it at Wallsend, on Sunday June 5.

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