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Jon's Journey to Paris (Para Arch to Arc blog)
What a journey this has been! What a crazy rollercoaster of emotions! What an adventure!
SIA member Jon Cook, from Canterbury completed the Para Arch to Arc challenge in August 2026 – handcycling and rowing 290 miles from Marble Arch in London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, to raise money for the SCI charities that have supported him over the past 10 years.
It is believed Jon is the first person with a spinal cord injury to have accomplished the challenge … and below you can read about the ups and downs of this journey:
Day 1
The first leg from London to Dover was supposed to be the easier of the three legs, however the British summer heatwave continued and Jon battled through temperatures reaching over 34 degrees. Jon made it to Dover by 11:30pm and the upcoming distance left still to go was feeling like a huge challenge after such an energy sapping day on the handcycle.
And with that day one was finished. After a long stretch in the heat and over 16 hours of cycling we made it to Dover. We are all so proud.
Day 2
Due to the previous days challenges and after a sleepless night Jon arrived Dover rowing club looking at the quad boat that he would soon be sitting in to complete a 21 mile row. The weather wasn’t kind and there were concerns about not being able leave the small harbour. But with determination Jon’s luck started to change. After a pleasant first 10k row the weather settled enough to allow the boat exit of the harbour into open water. Completing another 15k heading down to Samphire hoe spirits and moral had vastly improved. Jon finished the final 10k heading back into the harbour with a huge smile on his face.
Unfortunately the ferry to France was delayed but after disembarking Jon pushed on to his goal of reaching Boulogne before nightfall. Once again Jon shrugged off this set back and powered through the Sunday ride. Jon made it just shy of the half way make before a puncture stopped him progressing any further.
We finished just outside of Boulogne after another long day. Another early start for the 33km row, after the ferry was delayed we didn’t get as far as wanted but still absolutely smashing it. Bring on day three.
Day 3
Now in France the team faced their longest day of cycling. Together they completed 130km on another hot day, climbing hills and hitting the overall half way mark on their way to the finish line in Paris.
Unfortunately we didn’t make it to the Arc de Triomphe today. The shear heat on Friday and delays to ferries have really taken its toll and just made it impossible! We are going to regroup overnight and go again in the morning.
Day 4
Back on the road on Tuesday, the impossible task started to seem possible, after some sharp incline hills, road closures and a few wrong turns Jon made it to the Arc De Triomphe where he celebrated with his family and friends, completing the Para Arch to Arc Challenge
We were determined to complete the journey and I’m proud of myself and my team. This would not have been possible though without the support teams working tirelessly to make sure that I was safe at all times. This has been tough for everyone involved, and I will never be able to thank you all enough.
Through this fundraising effort, Jon is supporting several charities that helped his personal journey to recovery: Aspire, the Spinal Injuries Association, WheelPower and Dover Rowing Club.
In excess of £7,770 has been raised towards his £10,000 target so far. Anyone wishing to support Jon’s fundraising effort can do so by clicking on the button below:
Thank you to everyone who has sent messages, donated, and shared the adventure. Your support really has, and will continue to make a difference to so many people.