In January 2019, Philip White - a friend and colleague for over 30 years - was involved in a freak accident at home that left him with a broken C5 vertebrae and damage to his spinal cord. His injury was rated as ASIA Grade A – Complete, which signifies the complete absence of all motor and sensory functions. 

Despite an initial prognosis of being left permanently paralysed from the neck down, Phil has defied the odds, and through a combination of world-class NHS treatment and his own sheer determination, he has achieved a near miraculous improvement to his outlook. 

Today, Philip is a of Patron for Wings for Life, a not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation. Its mission is to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. 

The charity funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials, around the globe. The progress that has been made in spinal cord injury research and treatment over the last 5 years has been greater than in the previous 25 years. 

With Philip's unwavering resolve, his commitment and desire to continue to work hard every day, when the time comes, he will be in the best possible health that he can be. And who knows, if it really is as good as the white papers and the scientific reports suggest, maybe, just maybe, Philip will be able to fulfil his promise to his daughter Georgia and walk her down the aisle. He wants to make everybody proud. 

To raise vital funds for Wings for Life, my race partner Ian Lees, and I are registered to compete in the SPAR Swiss Epic 5-day stage race - classified S2 (stage class 2) by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) - part of the Epic Global Mountain Bikes Series. 

Our two-person team is called Wings for Life and is competing in the Grand Masters category. Entrants comprise top professionals, and ambitious amateurs. Both of us have been cross-country marathon racing (MTB XC) since the 1990's and regularly compete regionally and nationally. 

The race will test our endurance, resolve and skill. Taking in 11,650 meters of elevation gain and 11,800 meters of spectacular descending, the 2022 SPAR Swiss Epic route totals 363 kilometres in length. Highlights include the magnificent Hörnli and Runca Trails; as well as an ascent to 2,546 meters above sea level on the Urdenfürggli.

Alongside all the usual physical and mental demands of MTB XC racing we're simultaneously raising awareness and funds for Wings for Life.

Please support Philip and Wings for Life in achieving their goals. 100% of all donations will go towards funding cutting-edge spinal cord research projects to help find a cure for spinal cord injury (all the charity's operational costs are covered by the Red Bull Company).