£10,000 raised for County Durham ex-Paralympian’s kit for Iron Man challenge

The generosity of attendees of the County Durham Together Awards last night (December 5) at The Hardwick Hall Hotel led to 29-year-old Lyndon Longhorne reaching his target in just five minutes.

This came shortly after the entire room of people rose to their feet at the moment Lyndon, a former Paralympian, won the Special Recognition Award.

The County Durham Together Awards 2024 take place at Hardwick Hall Sedgefield. Winner of the Special Recognition Award, Lyndon Longhorne with event host Pete Barron. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH) The record-breaking swimmer explained after taking home the award that he was trying to fundraise £10,000 to buy a special handbike and wheelchair for the triathlon neat year which comprises a 2.4 mile swim in open water, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon over 26.2 miles.

Now, he has secured the funds for the kit and is ready to take on the impressive challenge in summer next year.

But, Lyndon’s story and how he became a celebrated athlete is one of grit and determination. Now 29, from Crook, he was diagnosed with Meningitis at just eight and a half months old.

This caused septicaemia, which led to amputations on his right leg above the knee, his left leg below the knee, his right hand and the fingertips on his left.

Lyndon Longhorne meets Alan Shearer during a visit to Newcastle United (Image: Northern Echo) However, after being taught by his grandad, he developed both a taste and a talent for swimming, becoming a British record holder.

He reached his wildest dream of becoming a Paralympian and was selected as an Olympic torch bearer – but this year announced he was hanging up his goggles for good.

He also competed in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics and was set to compete in this year’s Paris Olympics until injuries meant that he had to step down.

Lyndon Longhorne achieves his dream of competing in the Paralympics as he dives into the pool at Tokyo Now, he’s hung up his goggles for good this year and has scooped an award to boot.

An emotional video played before Lyndon took to the stage at the awards, which branded him as a “fantastic example” of how people can overcome adversity to fulfil their dreams.

“Lyndon is a fantastic person, a fantastic athlete, and he really does deserve this award”, one teammate remarked.

As Lyndon was called up to the stage – everyone in the room took to their feet for a powerful standing ovation.

He said: “For me, this is about showing that it is not always about your disability – it’s your ability. You can do it if you put your mind to it and that’s what I’ve taught myself since I was a child,” Lyndon said.

“To be recognised for this is absolutely amazing.”

The County Durham Together Awards 2024 take place at Hardwick Hall Sedgefield. Winner of the Special Recognition Award, Lyndon Longhorne with cllr Amanda Hopgood of category sponsor Durham County Council. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH (Image: CHRIS BOOTH) He added: “I like a challenge – and that always pushes me to get to the next level. As a kid, I always had the dream of becoming a paralympic athlete since 2008.

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“The Iron man challenge came about when I retired this year – I wanted to take on something that would push me out my comfort zone.

“The aim is to be the first quad amputee to complete the Iron Man in under 24 hours this year. I’m not going to stop – there will be no sleep.

“This is my turning point to say, you know what, let’s do something wild.”