Hiking in the wilderness seemed like a dream lost for local Gibsons resident Kenn Quayle, who has a rare disease that causes genetic mutations that are slowly taking away his mobility.
"I have hereditary spastic paraplegia, which is quite rare," Quayle said, explaining the last seven years have seen a significant decrease in his health. Eventually Quayle will entirely lose the use of his legs, as his mother and uncle, who have the same disease, already have.It's a sad story, but a special event being held on the Coast next weekend has brought some cheer.
Access Challenge 2006 will come to the Coast Aug. 11 to 13, and with it, a way for Quayle to see the backcountry he wants to explore.
Quayle will be placed in a special Trail Rider - basically a high-tech wheelbarrow with two handles at the front and two at the back for his teammates to hold and help navigate Quayle's journey.
The Trail Rider was specifically designed to allow people with significant disabilities to gain access to the wilderness, which is what Access Challenge 2006 is all about.
The event will be based out of Roberts Creek and consist of three days and two nights of hiking, moun-taineering and camping through Dakota Ridge and Tetrahedron Provincial Park. Participants pack in everything they will need for the duration of the trip, including tents, camping gear, food, clothing and other supplies.
Quayle heard about the challenge from organizer Jordan Kerton and was excited at the opportunity to push past barriers he deals with daily.
"It's an exciting opportunity to take part in something with a group of disabled people, which is something I haven't done before. It will be a huge learning experience," Quayle said.
On his team, dubbed the Trail Snails, are his partner Brian Mackenzie, friends Norbert Gieros and Bon Harris and Rob Powers of Walkabout in Sechelt who heard about the challenge and wanted to take part.
Quayle's team will help him navigate some difficult terrain in this year's Access Challenge, which holds the mission to "enrich the lives of people with significant disabilities through challenging wilderness recreation activities."
This is the 8th annual Access Challenge, though it is the first time the event will be held on the Coast.
It's run through the British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society that supplies the Trail Rider. Quayle is responsible for raising his own money for supplies during the trip as well as a $500 entry fee.
There are pledge sheets for the Trail Snails at most of the medical offices in Gibsons and at Walkabout in Sechelt if you would like to donate to the team. Quayle also welcomes phone calls from those interested in sponsoring him at 604-740-4434.
