‘Inspirational’ World Record holder Lexi thanks everyone for support
Published: 22 August 2023
Lexi Chambers – the woman who broke the 12-hour endurance female World Record for a non-sport wheelchair – has thanked all the people who helped her into the record books.
Meanwhile, a leading City Councillor has hailed Lexi’s achievements as inspirational.
The Exeter wheelchair athlete woke on Tuesday morning a little sore from her 193 laps of Exeter Arena, but very much buoyed by the fact that she is a new World Record holder.
Lexi smashed the old female record with hours to spare and went on to clock up just over 77 kilometres in her standard wheelchair.
Reflecting on her achievement, the former army veteran and NHS nurse said: “I was just glad to have achieved what I set out to do. My job for the day was to break that record and I managed it.
“I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of everyone there yesterday. They all gave me so much, which really kept me going. The record is fantastic, I don’t think I’ve processed it properly yet. I am extremely happy though…and a bit sore!”
Lexi, who had her leg amputated below the knee three years ago, is trying to raise £5,000 for The Aaron Lewis Foundation, a charity which assists military veterans and civilians in getting back into sports. She hopes people will donate to the cause after demonstrating that sport and life hold no barriers.
Lexi suffers from two chronic pain conditions – Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS) and Fibromyalgia. Three years ago she was forced to have her leg amputated below the knee because of the CPRS.
Despite having the leg removed, the condition returned two weeks later, making her wheelchair dependent. She vowed at the time not to not to let the setback be the end of sport her and embarked on a gruelling schedule of training and endurance events.
“Last year I entered my first triathlon using my handbike and everyday non-sport wheelchair, which then led to a series of events, during which I managed to set two new world records, for the fastest female full and half marathons using a non-sport wheelchair.”
Since then she has completed seven events - two triathlons, four half marathons and a marathon, all using the same wheelchair!
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Physical Activity, said Lexi’s achievements were an example to everyone.
“We were so proud to support Lexi in successfully achieving a new World Record. Lexi’s remarkable journey will hopefully serve as a source of inspiration for individuals from all walks of life.
“Watching her yesterday, the determination to succeed and the drive to keep going was a clear demonstration of how dedication and commitment can deliver across all sports.”
Among those who helped Lexi over the line with their support at the track was Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon. Bindu said: “This really was a fantastic achievement by Lexi, and on behalf of everyone at the Council I would like to congratulate her for completing this amazing fundraising challenge. We are all very proud of what she has achieved. I’d also like to thank the staff who helped to facilitate this event and make Lexi feel so welcome at the Arena. It was a great team effort by all involved.”
People can still donate to the Aaron Lewis Foundation by going to Lexi’s Just giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/lexi-chambers-1676288730432
