A passionate disability advocate will be racing his friend to attempt a Guinness world record for the fastest climb up Mount Snowdon in a powered wheelchair.

Maxwell McKnight, 19, from St Neots, also wants the challenge to raise awareness of the inaccessibility of hiking spots and the outdoors for mobility users.  

Both Maxwell, and his friend Josh Wintersgill, 30, have a genetic condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and use powered wheelchairs. 

They are also seeing their Snowdon experience as an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Charity UK. 

So far they have raised almost £28,000 of their £100,000 target.

Maxwell, a business management student, said: “It's not just a race against my friend and climbing rival. It's a race for other people's access and inclusion.  

“With every metre covered, we challenge not just the mountain, but the barriers that confine us, unleashing our spirit of resilience in the pursuit of a truly inclusive outdoors with the funds that we raise.” 

Their fundraising efforts will go towards specialist all-terrain X8 wheelchairs, which cost £25,000 each, and outdoor activity weekends for others with SMA.  

Maxwell and entrepreneur Josh, who is based in Somerset, will hold their race later this year on June 15.  

Each team will consist of between 10 and 15 people who will help them by carrying kit and equipment such as batteries, portable ramps, food, medical equipment and tyres.  

They will also be needed to carry the 14kg for each paramedic bag and 46kg of batteries required for each mobility chair. 

The mission has been called ‘Know No Bounds’ and updates can be followed on social media at #KnowNoBounds.  

To donate, visit Maxwell and Josh’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/knownobounds.