Former city mayor Cllr Steven Webb has announced his next challenge: The Cornwall 500, a new 500-mile accessible tour of Cornwall to be completed in his motorised wheelchair.

Steven, 51, will set off on September 1, 33 years to the day he became paralysed following an accident. Over 20 days, he will navigate coastal roads and the border with Devon, with occasional inland detours.

His motorised wheelchair has an average speed of 8mph, and he plans to cover around 25 miles a day, supported when necessary by friends and his dedicated 24/7 carers.

Along the way, he aims to raise £25,000 for Cornwall Air Ambulance’s #Heli-2 Campaign, honouring its crucial role in saving his life over three decades ago. He was left tetraplegic by a swimming pool accident in 1991, and it was Cornwall’s first air ambulance that flew him to Salisbury for specialist treatment.

“The air ambulance, that little red dot in the sky, gives so much hope – not only for patients, but also for their families,” said Steven, who has since made every attempt to live life to the full, including a two-year stint as Truro’s mayor from 2021.

In 2005, Steven attempted John O’Groats to Land’s End (JOGLE), but was thwarted in his quest when he fell out of his chair in Macclesfield and broke his shoulder. In May this year, he participated alongside budget vehicles in the Cornball24 banger rally in Looe, dressed as an air ambulance pilot.

He described his latest challenge as the equivalent of “travelling daily from Truro to The Lizard in an electric wheelchair, encountering cowpats, potholes and roadworks”.

“This chair was purchased through fundraising four years ago,” he added. “What better way to use it than by embarking on an adventure that I’ll truly enjoy, while making a difference?”

The journey will have a deeper meaning for Steven. “I’m doing okay - I’m a city councillor, a former Mayor of Truro, and a grandad. But I’ll be honest: sometimes, life is tough.

“Being paralysed is the easiest part; what you don’t see is the daily struggle of social care, reliance on others for everything. Just getting up and showering each morning takes two people, often strangers, no privacy.

“This is a small glimpse of what severely disabled people live with daily. My challenge isn’t just about heading out on a jolly; it’s about the entire team – carers, supporters, all those lifting me to able to make a difference.”

The Cornwall 500 concept was created during lockdown by Clive Kessell, who aimed to map an accessible 500-mile route as close to Cornwall's coast as possible. “When Steve asked me about doing JOGLE again, I suggested taking The Cornwall 500 off the shelf and dusting it off, as a lasting legacy for Cornwall,” he said.

The route is now a community interest company (CIC), and Steven described it as “like the grown-up version of collecting football stickers”, adding: “There’s no fixed route or timeframe, no set order. You can do it in a weekend on a motorbike, take a week in a campervan, or spend a lifetime exploring in your own accessible way.”

An interactive element has been introduced in the form of metal plaques, likened to Hansel and Gretel’s breadcrumbs, to be placed at significant locations both coastal and inland. These plaques will contain QR codes to highlight historically important sites but also personal stories and beauty spots cherished by locals.

Individual explorers will be able to upload selfies, providing a fun interactive experience. Members of the public are invited to nominate plaque locations via The Cornwall 500 website, which also contains a link to Steven’s JustGiving page.

The quest was launched on Monday afternoon at The Alverton in Truro, which will act as the starting point for Steven’s trek.

Col Sir Edward Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and patron of Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “The air ambulance has captured all our affections in Cornwall. We all know we are one moment away from needing the life-saving services it provides.

“Running it costs a fortune, and sometimes you need crazy people to do crazy things to help raise money. I hope Steven is successful in his endeavour.”

Air ambulance chief executive Tim Bunting added: “Owning a second AW169 helicopter will enable us to attend more patients, on the most capable aircraft, with the ability to convey them to the best suited hospital for onward care. We’re with Steven all the way and are very grateful for all his support.”

Visit Cornwall chief Malcolm Bell admired Steven’s “tenacity and bravery,” adding that The Cornwall 500 was as a key opportunity to add to Cornwall’s offer in both the accessible and low carbon sectors.

“The top priorities in tourism right now are accessibility, inclusivity, low-impact and slow travel. This ticks all of those boxes,” he added.

For more information, visit thecornwall500.com