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Members Log-in Accessibility Go to discussion forums 21st May 12
Beyond Boundaries

 

Lorraine Pooley - Photo:  Courtesy of the BBCIn Nicaragua, 11 intrepid adventurers set out on an arduous trek from the Atlantic Mosquito Coast to the Pacific. The last Westerner to attempt this route was Christopher Columbus in 1492, but he only made it half-way.

It would be a remarkable feat for anyone, but these travellers have additional obstacles to overcome... How do you cut through dense undergrowth in a wheelchair? How do you navigate a rainforest if you're blind? How do you tell a deaf man there's a crocodile behind him? Six amputees are also part of the team that has had no previous expedition experience. Will they survive?

Guts, determination and technology

Challenging preconceptions about what disabled people can and can't do this documentary proves that with guts, determination and the latest technology, differently-abled people can conquer a trek that would leave most able-bodied individuals aghast.

Beyond Boundaries is a new four-part series that follows a group of men and women, each of whom have a physical disability, as they trek across Nicaragua. The incredibly challenging route takes them from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

Covering 220 miles in just 28 days, we follow them through four distinct eco systems - dense tropical rain forest, a mountainous volcanic region, a vast expansive lake and harsh desert scrubland. The scenery is stunning and the trekking requires a range of skills.

Glenn Kirk - Photo:  Courtesy of the BBCLower limb amputees Lorraine Pooley and ex Superbike champ Glenn Kirk are using high performance prostheses supplied by Ossur and fitted by PACE Rehabilitation. Other amputees Jane, Toby, Warren and Karl are joined by Ade and Sophie - who are both in wheelchairs and face the challenge equipped with specially designed 'jungle chairs'. Daryl has spina bifida, Amar is blind and Charlie is deaf.

Will their best efforts be good enough?

Eleven begin, but not all will complete the tough challenge. Although fit, the group has had no previous expedition experience and will need to work as a high performance team if they are to survive the hot impenetrable mosquito jungle, crocodile invested rivers and, ultimately, climb a live volcano.

Beyond Boundaries starts Tuesday October 11th (UK) and follows the drive, passion and drama behind this amazing adventure.
UK BBC2 9pm, US Discovery USA 10pm EST (with next-day repeats at 2 pm)