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Wheelchair adventurer from Lancaster arrives in Africa for world record attempt to canoe Zambezi

Shaun Gash, his wife Dawn and the team have arrived in Africa ahead of the world record attempt. Image from @shaungashofficial Instagram

A wheelchair adventurer from Lancaster has arrived in Africa aiming to break a world record for canoeing along the Zambezi River.

Shaun Gash will be part of a team looking to become the first paraplegics to canoe 240km in six days along the fourth largest river on the continent.

They are raising money for Spinal Research and Whizz Kidz, the UK's leading charity for young wheelchair users.

Shaun will be joined by other wheelchair users Liam Morris from Askam-in-Furness and Michelle Moffatt from Dumbarton as they canoe from Chirundu in Zambia to the Mozambique border.

He has used a wheelchair for 33 years, ever since he was paralysed from his chest down following a car accident when he was 20.

Seven years ago, he also lost his leg while climbing Ben Nevis mountain in Scotland.

But Shaun has not allowed his disabilities to stop him from taking on the toughest challenges to raise money for great causes.

These have included sky diving and scuba diving, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and travelling in his chair from Land's End to John O'Groats.

In February he was recognised by hit TV show Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway for his work raising millions for charities.

Read more: Lancaster fundraiser enjoys surprise night on TV show Saturday Night Takeaway - Beyond Radio

Here is Shaun and the team pictured before setting off.

"I am always looking for the next big challenge to push my own boundaries and inspire others to push theirs when they are faced with a barrier," said Shaun.

"And this is the next challenge!"

On their first day in Africa, the team donated supplies to a local school, which had no electricity or water.

You can support the team by donating to their fundraising page HERE.

And keep updated on Shaun's epic Zambezi challenge on Beyond Radio.

Read more: INTERVIEW: Lancaster wheelchair adventurer to canoe Zambezi river - Beyond Radio

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