Meet the County Durham Paralympian Taking on the Ironman Challenge and the Darlington Singer-Songwriter Supporting Him
Award-winning Northern singer-songwriter Hayley McKay recently released her new single, Adrenaline
Lyndon was just eight-and-a-half months old when he contracted meningitis. This caused septicaemia, which led to the amputation of his right leg above the knee, left leg below the knee, right hand and the fingertips on his left hand. ‘My Grandad used to take me swimming and I went on to become a British record holder as an adult,’ he says. ‘I set a goal as a young boy to represent my country and it's an amazing experience to have done this. In 2011, when I was 16, I competed at my first national championships. In 2021 I represented GB at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and I carried the Olympic torch during the relay for the London 2012 Games.’
He recently received a Special Recognition Award and now he is training to become the first quadruple amputee to complete an Ironman Triathlon in Liverpool later this year. He’ll join Hayley to raise funds and awareness for causes close to his heart, including Meningitis Now and Andy’s Man Club.
The Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon run. ‘It will be completed using only upper body strength, as the entire race will be done in a wheelchair, except for the swim,’ says Lyndon. ‘I'm setting myself to do this in under 24 hours as the first quad amputee to do so. This is one of the toughest things I’ve done to date. Mentally and physically it is challenging in every way – intense gym sessions and training.’
Adrenaline is Hayley’s powerful new song that encapsulates this drive to overcome challenges and pursue dreams against all odds. ‘I wanted to write a song which was anthemic and uplifting,’ says Hayley. ‘The title came to my head a day before going to see Bruce Springsteen in concert (my adrenaline was kicking in!). I wrote this song with The Dunwells who have toured with Mumford and Sons and Elbow.
‘There are parallels between sport and music, and adrenaline can be like a superpower! I feel adrenaline on stage, like Lyndon does in every challenge he undergoes. I want people to feel inspired when hearing this song to go for their goals and to not let anxiety get in the way.’
On Saturday 1st March, Hayley will be performing a 45-minute set with her band which will include her new single, followed by a Q&A by Lyndon Longhorne and journalist Peter Barron. 'Music is a great vehicle to get a message out there,’ says Hayley. ‘My Dad, Stuart Mckay hopes to add to this by cycling the Lands End to John O'Groats bike ride. Hopefully people will get behind and we can raise some money and support Lyndon.’
Lyndon and Hayley are both inspiring others to achieve their dreams in their respective fields. ‘You have to look at the bigger picture, things aren't just an overnight success,’ says Lyndon. ‘You learn from failure and the best way to learn from failure is the first attempt in learning. Days where you find things tough, you have to keep pushing. it’s 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.’
Hayley’s advice is to not compare yourself to other artists. ‘Everyone is on their own different journey,’ she says. ‘Turn those nerves into excitement and adrenaline! Most of all, enjoy what you do and be grateful.’
