Ayr daredevil dad is just plane crazy

Aug 22 2008 by Stuart Wilson

HE’S lost his leg, diced with death, and climbed Ben Nevis in a wheelchair.

Now Colin Duthie will attempt to pull a 57 tonne jet plane along a runway.

The inspirational Ayr dad, who lost his leg after being run down by a coal lorry when he was 21, is aiming for a place in the Guinness Book of World Records with his amazing stunt.

A team of 40 wheelchair users will haul the Boeing 757 plane for 100 metres along Lasham Airfield in Hampshire.

And Colin is ready to lead the way – despite missing out on the crucial training.

He admitted: “I didn’t make the training day but they still accepted me.

“When they heard I’d climbed Ben Nevis they probably decided I was mad enough for this.

“I’ll do anything that’s a challenge and I see this as a good laugh.

“I’ve almost been dead so pulling a plane is a walk in the park.”

Colin and his team will be attached to the plane by rope and haul the jet from a standstill.

And the 757 pull will go into the record books under a new category – Heaviest Plane Pulled By People In A Wheelchair.

Colin, 44, laughed: “It will probably take two or three weeks to complete but I’m looking forward to it.

“Going for a world record is pretty cool.

“My approach to life is that I’ve never let my disability stop me from doing anything and this is no different.

“If by climbing mountains and pulling planes I can raise awareness and challenge perceptions and attitudes towards disability among our community – especially children – then that’s great.”

He added: “I’m privileged enough that I can give other people opportunities in life and I sit on the council’s disabled employee forum.

“When I come back from doing this, I’ll be giving talks about my experiences and showing kids, especially, that anything in life is possible.

“I’m one of the lucky ones who sees opportunity in any crisis and I’m getting great backing from the council to get that message across.”

Councillor Brian Connolly, Chair of the council's equalities and diversity group, said: "Taking part in this event will be an unforgettable experience for Colin and everyone who watches it.

"The people of South Ayrshire will reap the benefits of Colin participating in this world record attempt for years to come.

“Most important of all he will be able to clearly show to others with disabilities, especially children, that they can take on challenges and succeed by being determined."

To sponsor Colin, visit www.justgiving.com/757pull or email colin.duthie@talktalk.net with funds going to the British Disabled Flying Association.

The plane pull takes place on Saturday, September 6.