Martin Symons

I have a rare condition called Klippel-Feil Syndrome It creates a fusion in the cervical spine. Depending on the area of fusion, there can be related congenital conditions.

 In my case, I was born with a cleft palate, hearing loss, underbite, short neck with webbing (trapezius muscles are extended from the mastoid areas to the shoulders), painless restriction of cervical movement, scoliosis, and kyphosis and a rare aplastic anaemia.

Despite my disability, I have been part of a crew bringing the Samuel Whitbread back from Germany via the Netherlands (1989), has been part of expeditions to Snowden (1993) and Ben Nevis (1994)

In 1995, the lack of appropriate support for people with my adventurous streak led to setting up High Hopes Adventures, charity which organised adventure holidays for disabled people. 

Trips have included trekking and rafting in the Himalayas, trekking in the Picos De Europa, various multi activity weeks in Devon and Wales. I have also been canoeing down the Miño River, on the Spanish/Portuguese border in July 1999 and 2000.

My past endeavours have received support from Rotary Club of Malling, Rotaract Club of Malling and Kentish Vale Round Table. I have also been supported by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Sports and Arts Development Award scheme where I received a grant for sporting excellence; Kent County Council’s volunteering excellence and Freedom in sport Award for outstanding achievements.

Since December 2007, I have lived in Norfolk. I am member of Norfolk Coalition for Disabled People (NCODP) and Norfolk Links. I enjoy Tai Chi and sailing and would like to get into cycling (using the boma!!)