Courageous Billy taking on 140-mile charity challenge
RACING driver and double amputee Billy Monger will take on a 140mile triathlon-inspired challenge to raise money for Red Nose Day.
Later this month, Monger, who lost both of his legs in a racing accident three years ago at the Castle Donington circuit, will tackle the huge distances on foot, take to freezing open waters by kayak and endure day-long stretches on a bike.
He will cover 140 miles in four days, finishing at the world-famous race circuit Brands Hatch in Kent.
Monger told the PA news agency: “What attracted me to do this was the fact I want to keep pushing myself and what I can achieve. After my accident it was a long road back, I was lucky that I was surrounded by close family, friends and received such amazing support from people.
“Throughout the challenge, I know I’ll need people to get behind me again to get me through and I’ll keep in mind that with every step, every mile it will help support those who need it most.”
He said he was a “little nervous” but “completely determined” to complete the challenge.
Monger began racing aged just six, but in April 2017 at a British F4 race he was left with life-changing injuries that resulted in the amputation of both his legs.
However, he was back at the wheel within a year and was awarded the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in 2018.
Monger has been training for months now, but said he had “no experience” ahead of the challenge – he has not cycled since his accident three years ago, and has never kayaked before.
“I’m going to have to get the hang of the gear pretty quickly, especially to cover the distances that we’re doing. So, it’s nerve-wracking but it’s exciting,” he said.
People at home will be able to see all the highs and lows of Billy’s challenge in an hour-long special documentary, filmed by a reduced crew, on BBC One.
The money raised will tackle issues including homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse and mental health problems, all of which have been exacerbated by the ongoing health crisis.
Ahead of his challenge, Monger visited Fight 4 Change, a boxing project in London which is supported by Comic Relief.
The project works with young people, offering them boxing, mentoring, mental health support and peer-buddying systems to help overcome isolation and help navigate the many challenges they face.
He said: “I loved seeing how donations to Red Nose Day have been helping Fight 4 Change. I’m so grateful to the team there for showing me the amazing work they do and telling me how sport has such a positive impact on young people’s lives and helped them get through incredibly tough times.”
A DERBYSHIRE man who travelled 135 miles to Bristol to attend an illegal rave while the country was facing Covid restrictions – and obstructed police when they broke it up – has been sentenced with four other men for their “selfish” behaviour.
George Packham was among hundreds who gathered for the party lasting almost 24 hours last Halloween.
Packham, along with George Parsons, Ashley Waker, Oliver Eavis and Josh Samson all received fines yesterday at Bristol Magistrates’ Court after admitting offences in and around a disused warehouse in Beeches Industrial Estate in the city.
The court heard Packham had travelled from Derbyshire for the rave, which took place hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a coronavirus lockdown would soon be introduced.
Prosecutor May Li said: “There were reports of the rave running from at least 10pm on October 31, with 500 to 700 people in attendance, some intoxicated through drink and drugs.
“Police attended at 2pm on November 1. By that time there were between 30 and 50 people remaining. They were ordered to disperse.
All the defendants refused to leave.”
Packham, now of Crasken Farm in Cornwall, was ordered to leave several times.
The dreadlocked 29-year-old, who wore a checked shirt in court, had repeatedly positioned himself in front of officers to prevent them clearing the warehouse.
His lawyer Jane Taylor said: “He had stupidly travelled down from his then-home in Derbyshire after hearing about the rave from his ex-girlfriend.
“He accepts his behaviour amounted to pushing at officers’ shields. He described it as a flailing of his arms, but there was no other display of violent behaviour.
“He is a seasonal worker who picks flowers and fruit, but he is unemployed at the moment. He receives £660 per month in Universal Credit.”
Handing down the sentences, District Judge Lynne Matthews told the defendants: “Let’s consider the position. The most aggravating factor is the timing.
“A virus has spread across the world. Cities, then countries, go into lockdown. Thousands upon thousands of people die because of the virus.”
The judge went on to say: “Everybody is tired of lockdown and would like life to resume some sort of normality.
“But the consequences of your actions may have contributed to a prolonged lockdown.
“In other words, your desire for freedom risked others losing theirs for a longer period. It was a risk you were prepared to take for your own brief, selfish gratification.”
Eavis and Samson admitted obstructing police, Parsons failing to leave the land, and Packham and Waker both of those offences.
Packham’s offences were aggravated by his long journey from Derbyshire. The judge handed him £640 in fines, a £34 surcharge and £85 costs.
The other men also received fines and costs.