Deaf-Blind Man Attempts to Break Quadbike Record

From: The Scotsman, UK - Aug 14, 2004

By Alison Purdy, PA News

A deaf-blind man is attempting to beat his own world speed record on a quadbike today.

Graham Hicks, from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, holds the existing record of 104mph.

Using his custom quadbike, based on a Honda Super Blackbird CBR1100 motorcycle, he is gearing up to beat that speed.

Mr Hicks is attempting the challenge at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, with Brian Sharman, a Cambridgeshire Police Officer, riding pillion.

Mr Sharman will indicate steering directions to Mr Hicks through a highly developed touch-based signalling system.

Along with the fastest speed on a quadbike, Mr Hicks also holds the world record for the greatest distance on a jetski within 6 hours.

Mr Hicks, who works for national charity Deafblind UK, said he sets himself demanding challenges to illustrate that a disability, even one as severe as deafblindness, is no barrier to achievement given the right support.

"I'm really looking forward to getting out there and pulling out all the stops to set a brand new world record," he said.

"I'd like to thank all who have supported me and especially Cambridgeshire Constabulary and RAF Wittering for all the work they have done to make this challenge happen.

"It just goes to show that given the right support people with disabilities can compete equally to set a Guinness world record."

The world record attempt is taking place at 11am.

©2004 Scotsman.com