Remarkable racer who lost both legs in crash has a new set of wheels thanks to firm
Billy Monger in his new chair - Credit: Archant
Teenage racing driver Billy Monger - who lost both his legs in a horrific crash a year ago - has a new set of wheels.
Billy Monger, right, in his new chair with Steve Kenyon, from Draft Wheelchairs - Credit: Archant
Billy, 18, has just taken delivery of a tailor-made wheelchair from Godmanchester-based Draft Wheelchairs and Ottobock UK, supplied as part of his new role as an ambassador for the two firms.
The youngster was left in a critical condition after a 120mph crash in a Formula 4 race at Donington Park last April when his car collided with a stationary vehicle.
He had to have both legs amputated, one above the knee and one below, but less than a year later he is back behind the wheel of a racing car, chalking up a podium finish in the opening race of the British F3 championship at Oulton Park.
Steve Kenyon, from Draft, helped Billy to choose the best chair for him.
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He said: “For us, welcoming Billy to the Draft family was a natural fit. We were so impressed by his dedication and enthusiasm for return to sport and we think that sums up our vision which is to promote independence and enable easier, more active, lifestyles.”
Draft has a long history of providing wheelchairs and sport equipment for active wheelchair users.
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Steve said: “We definitely upped the cool factor on this one. The colour, Porsche mint green, is close to his heart as it’s exactly the same as his racing colour. The wheels have been upgraded too.”
The chair enables Billy to get in and out of his racing car which he drives using a special racing leg.
Draft also made sure that the chair provides maximum functionality as he continues his rehabilitation, adapting the seat position and the boards that support his limbs.
Billy said: “It’s been great to work with Ottobock and Draft on my new wheelchair. My ultimate goal is to get behind the wheel of a racing car and push myself as far as I can possibly go and this is going to be an important part of my journey.”
Billy’s wheelchair is a Danish-designed Wolturnus W5 distributed in the UK by mobility firm Ottobock and tailor-made for each user.
Robert Redgewell, from Ottobock, said: “We hope that Billy’s rehabilitation journey and all of his hard work are able to give hope to people who may be in a similar situation facing mobility issues for the first time in their lives.”
