Cool Challenge

Last month, Paralympian & Cool Crutches fan, Mel Nicholls kicked off her HandCycle Britain challenge. Her mission? To become the fastest female to handcycle from Land’s End to John o’Groats. Giving herself just 9 days to tackle 874 miles including 100 miles and 2500 metres of climbing each day, this epitomised her dedication to breaking barriers.

As an ambassador for Ordinance Survey, Mel created a bespoke pair of Cool Crutches to support her challenge and ongoing work. Coupled with an incredible team to help her, Mel’s focus has remained solid and the results incredible.

Mel’s Personal Challenge

Over the last 10 years Mel has suffered a series of life changing strokes. Previously a strong, fit, independent and healthy young woman, Mel was was left unable to walk following her third stroke in 2008.

...Fast forward four years, Mel raced in front of an 80,000 home crowd and the rest of the world, in wheelchair racing at the London 2012 Paralympics. Just 15 months after taking up the sport.

Mel went on as part of the GB Athletics team to represent her country for the next 4 years. Mel achieved track world records, European and World major medal success and became a Paralympic finalist at both London 2012 and Rio 2016. At the end of 2016 Mel made the move from track to turn her focus to endurance. Taking on road racing in her wheelchair and hand cycling, she achieved international medal success in her first season on the GB team.

The Result

In just six days, 22 hours & 18 minutes she SMASHED it.

Sending an enormous CONGRATULATIONS to Mel and her team, we can’t wait to hear what’s next!

Mel on her first pair of Personalised Pink Union Jack Cool Crutches