Ex-nurse attempts wheelchair world record in Exeter

BBC Lexi ChambersBBC
Lexi Chambers is raising money for a charity that helps military veterans get into sport

A former NHS nurse hopes to have set a world record for travelling the greatest distance in 12 hours using a standard wheelchair.

Lexi Chambers' 193 laps around Exeter Arena's track will need to be ratified.

The below-knee amputee undertook the challenge as part of her fundraising for a charity that help military veterans get into sport.

Ms Chambers already holds the world records for the fastest full and half marathons in a non-sport wheelchair.

Lexi Chambers
Lexi Chambers already holds two world records

Ms Chambers has two chronic pain conditions - Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and fibromyalgia.

"When this happened, I did not want it to be the end of sport for me, so I adapted my expectations and found a way to participate in sport again using what equipment I had," she said.

She has since taken part in triathlons, along with full and half-marathons.

'Achieve your goals'

"I am just one person who is trying to make a difference with what I have. I wish to motivate people to engage in sport with what equipment they have," she continued.

"Especially with the current economic climate, where, for the majority, expensive sports equipment is unobtainable.

"I am hoping to show that you do not need it to achieve your goals, whether you are disabled or not.

"It's about getting out there and having a go."

Her attempt, which ran from 07:00-19:00 BST, was to set a new Guinness World Record: to become the first female to travel the greatest distance in 12 hours using a standard wheelchair.

A photo of Lexi and Cat
Lexi Chambers is being supported by her wife Cat

Ms Chambers is raising money for the Aaron Lewis Foundation, which supports military veterans.

Her wife Cat, said she was "a phenomenal athlete."

"The message from Lex to all disabled individuals is whilst your disability may take an element of accessibility away from you, it doesn't mean the world gets any smaller and the opportunities are still out there - you just have to find them and take hold of the equipment you've got around you," she said.

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