Panther, founder of Hope Mobility Kenya, clocked three hours and 50 minutes in his wheelchair, nicknamed the “Red Ferrari".

Michael Panther poses for a photo after finishing the 42-km race at the Standard Chartered Marathon in Nairobi on Sunday/HANDOUT

Michael Panther raised Sh5 million for children with disabilities after becoming the first person with a disability to complete the full 42km Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in a specialised racing wheelchair on Sunday.

“This is the hardest marathon I have ever done. It was not easy, especially on elevations. I cannot feel my hands, but we have made it,” he said.

“I took part in this marathon to raise funds for children with disability and the urgent need to cater for their mobility challenges. We have raised about Sh5 million, which is a significant milestone for the Race for Mobility goals.”

The funds could finance up to 100 wheelchairs, with each costing approximately Sh50,000 to manufacture, subject to final production and distribution costs.

Panther said access to mobility devices would help children with disabilities participate more fully in education, healthcare and social activities, while easing the demands on their caregivers.

He thanked the marathon organisers, donors and supporters who helped him complete the challenge.

“I want to thank the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon for facilitating me and others in the marathon, for all those who donated to the cause and those who cheered me on along the way,” he said.

Hope Mobility Kenya manufactures and distributes about 3,500 wheelchairs annually to people with disabilities in the country.

According to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Kenya faces a shortfall of about 550,000 wheelchairs and other assistive mobility devices, including an estimated 200,000 needed by children.

Hope Mobility Kenya is urging individuals, businesses and partners to support efforts to provide more children with custom-fitted wheelchairs.

Panther’s achievement used sport to draw attention to the barriers children with disabilities face in accessing mobility equipment and the opportunities it provides.