THERE was confetti and a brass band fanfare when Steven Webb crossed the Cornwall 500 finish line in his electric wheelchair on Lemon Quay on Sunday.

Having set off from the city on September 1, his final leg saw him leave commemorative plaques at The Old Plough in Shortlanesend and Truro Cathedral, drop into Truro City FC and County Hall, and make his own personal tribute on Infirmary Hill, site of the former City Hospital, where he was taken 33 years ago following the accident that left him paralysed.

Steven Webb drops into Truro City FC during The Cornwall 500 last leg
Steven Webb drops into Truro City FC during The Cornwall 500 last leg (Pic: Paul Richards/PR4Photos)

Accompanied by Cllr Sam Rabey on an electric bike loaned by Clive Mitchell Cycles, Steven was joined at County Hall by friends and relatives who accompanied him into town, undeterred by inclement weather.

Steven Webb meets friends at County Hall for the last leg of the Cornwall 500
Steven Webb meets friends at County Hall for the last leg of the Cornwall 500 (Pic: Paul Richards/PR4Photos)

At the cathedral, he handed a plaque to the Dean’s Verger Robert Preston, and was joined by his daughter, Kember Webb and granddaughter Koa.

Steven Webb handing over a Cornwall 500 plaque at Truro Cathedral
Steven Webb handing over a Cornwall 500 plaque to Dean’s verger Robert Preston at Truro Cathedral (Pic: Paul Richards/PR4Photos)

In Tinner’s Court, he received a hero’s welcome from friends and colleagues including city mayor Cllr Carol Swain and town crier Lionel Knight.

Steven Webb's Cornwall 500 trek comes to an end in Tinner's Court
Steven Webb's Cornwall 500 trek comes to an end in Tinner's Court (Pic: Paul Williams)

Having passed the finish line to confetti cannons, Steven said: “My homecoming was wet, windy and challenging, and the amazing welcome left me speechless and overwhelmed. It hasn’t really sunk in.” He paid tribute to his support team, carers and sponsors Coodes solicitors, who covered any costs including chair repairs.

So far, Steven’s odyssey has raised £7,500 for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, whose chairman David Richards said: “I’m in awe of the distance he has covered and his commitment to the cause. People like him keep the air ambulance flying.”

Steven Webb with Tim Bunting and David Richards from Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust
Steven Webb with Tim Bunting, Laura Mackay and David Richards from Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (Paul Richards/PR4Photos)

Steven’s final stretch of the Cornwall 500 took place on Sunday, and was perhaps the most personal. It was in Truro, 33 years ago, that he dived into a swimming pool, only to find himself in trouble.

“This is where my heart stopped,” he said on Infirmary Hill, site of the old City Hospital, recalling how he was given CPR before being flown to Salisbury by the first Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Shortly afterwards, on Castle Street, we met his friend Juliet Smith. “This is the friend who pulled me out of the pool,” said Steven by way of introduction – adding, with a mischievous grin, “This is turning into the worst tour of Truro you could ever have, isn’t it?”

That he was met at Lemon Quay by so many friends and wellwishers was testament to the affection with which he is held in the city.

Steven Webb with Tim Bunting (Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust), Clive Kessel and Truro Voice's Kirstie Newton
Steven Webb with Tim Bunting (Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust), Clive Kessell and Truro Voice's Kirstie Newton (Paul Williams)

Clive Kessell, who played Steven in with Pendennis Brass, was instrumental in devising the Cornwall 500. “I’m exhilarated, exhausted and emotional that we have done it, and that Steven has been given the best finale he could have hoped for at the end of 500 miles of travel around Cornwall,” he said.

Steven Webb and friends in Boscawen Street
Steven Webb and friends in Boscawen Street (pic: Paul Richards/PR4Photos)

Steven will spend a few weeks filling in parts of his route that were postponed due to weather or chair malfunctions. What’s next? “I’d like to beat the Guinness World Record for John O’Groats to Land’s End in an electric wheelchair – it’s 21 days and 16 hours.” He’s also writing a book, to be published next year, entitled The Gift of No Choice. Watch this space!