Cyclist with cerebral palsy ready for 600km fundraiser
An athlete with cerebral palsy is preparing to embark on his latest cycling challenge for a local charity.
Patrick Barden, 31, aims to cycle from his home in Gravesend, Kent, to Wexford, in Ireland - a distance of 600km (373 miles).
Mr Barden, who doctors said would never be able to walk, is raising money for the Step and Learn charity.
Setting off on 13 July, it will be his fifth challenge, but with added significance - Mr Barden's grandfather, Paddy Kenny, who was born in Wexford, passed away last year.
Mr Barden and his friend Callum Jordan aim to complete the journey within seven days.
The challenge will end at Hook Lighthouse in Wexford, where Mr Barden used to go as a child with his grandfather.
He said: "The cycle ride is my way of honouring him, whilst raising money for two charities who do amazing work."
He says Gravesend-based Step and Learn supported him as a child, helping him strengthen the muscles he was able to use.
He says he credits the charity for his independence as an adult, and is now its chair.
"I learnt how to control my fine motor skills, allowing me to feed and dress myself," Mr Barden said.
"Over time it was easier for me to walk unaided, allowing me to drive and lead an independent life."
'Fulfilled life'
In recent years, Mr Barden has completed three marathons and a 250km cycle ride.
He says his Kent-Ireland challenge is just the beginning.
"[I want] to show everybody that life doesn't end because you have a disability," he adds.
"You can lead a happy and fulfilled life, just the same as able-bodied people."
Mr Barden and Mr Jordan will be documenting their progress on social media.
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