A SOLIHULL motorcyclist who was left brain damaged and unable to walk after a horror crash is getting ready to take on a Triathlon.
In 2009 Shane Booth sustained life-threatening injuries and was in a coma for several weeks, after a tractor pulled out in front of his bike while on holiday in Germany.
Now the former sales director at IBM has set himself the challenge to inspire other with disabilities to take up sports as he takes on the 2019 Superhero Tri Powered by Marvel at Dorney Lake in Windsor on Saturday (August 17).
Organisers say this is the UK’s only mass-participation sports series dedicated to people with disabilities – an event for everyday superheroes, with no worries about cut-off times or equipment restrictions.
Participants can do it all themselves or team up with sidekicks in the form disabled and able-bodied family and friends to assist them.
Shane is completing the triathlon as part of the Irwin Mitchell Don’t Quit, Do It campaign.
He has teamed up with the firm’s paralegal Charisse Tapang, completing the run and swim sections while Shane completes the cycling.
Shane said: “Prior to the accident, I ran the London Marathon and swam for Calderdale County, so the Superhero Series is a step towards picking up that side of my life.
“It would be nice to complete all the stages, but given I cycled for England, the bike ride was made for me and Charisse is completing the other two.
“Coming to terms with how my life had changed has been difficult.
“I’d gone from being really active, enjoying my job, sport and travelling, to being hoisted out of bed and wheelchair reliant when I went out.
“But then I thought, I’m not putting my life on hold. I was determined to try and overcome my injuries.”
Shane was forced to give his job at IBM up following his crash and now has an inspirational speaker business The Man That Speaks and talks about how sport has helped rebuild his life.
He added: “I’m living proof of the statement, Don’t Quit, Do It and while I am where I am today because of the grit and determination to succeed which is part of my personality, I hope my story persuades others not to quit.
“By being able to do as much or as a little as you like, the Superhero Tri is a great place for people with disabilities to start realising their potential.”
Charisse said: “Shane is a truly inspirational figure in the way that he has worked to overcome his injuries and I’m proud to be taking part in the Triathlon alongside him.
“Disability sport can be vital in aiding recovery and wellbeing and together with Shane and our other superhero teams, we are hoping to get this message out to a wider audience.”
