Billy Baxter
Encyclopedia
Billy Baxter served with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
in Bosnia
. Whilst serving in 1997, he lost his sight after contracting a rare disease.
On August 2, 2003, he set the blind solo world land speed record on a motorbike with a speed of 164.87 mph (265.33 km/h).
In 2004, he was a guest on the BBC
television programme Top Gear
and drove a lap of their circuit as the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car", credited as the "Blind Man". He was guided around the circuit by the slightly nervous host, Jeremy Clarkson
, and his lap time was 2:02 minutes, which is faster than two of the fully sighted contestants (Terry Wogan
and the late Richard Whiteley
).
For the past few years, Baxter has been involved with various blind charities as a public speaker, educating groups of all ages about being blind as well as discussing his life experiences so far. He is currently enjoying life with full intensity, taking part in motorcycle riding, PSHE, learning to ski, and is now enjoying amateur dramatics.
In 2007 he completed a Blind Solo Lap of Donington Park
. "My biggest challenge yet, I rode my Ducati Monster
around the hallowed circuit of Donington, the home of motorcycle racing, raising awareness for Vista, a charity helping blind people in the Midlands
, an amazing experience and great fun."
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery is a regiment of the Royal Horse Artillery in the British Army. It currently serves in the armoured field artillery role, and is equipped with the AS-90 self-propelled gun...
in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
. Whilst serving in 1997, he lost his sight after contracting a rare disease.
On August 2, 2003, he set the blind solo world land speed record on a motorbike with a speed of 164.87 mph (265.33 km/h).
In 2004, he was a guest on the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
television programme Top Gear
Top Gear (current format)
Top Gear is a British television series about motor vehicles, primarily cars. It began in 1977 as a conventional motoring magazine show. Over time, and especially since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous style...
and drove a lap of their circuit as the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car", credited as the "Blind Man". He was guided around the circuit by the slightly nervous host, Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson is an English broadcaster, journalist and writer who specialises in motoring. He is best known for his role on the BBC TV show Top Gear along with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May...
, and his lap time was 2:02 minutes, which is faster than two of the fully sighted contestants (Terry Wogan
Terry Wogan
Sir Michael Terence Wogan, KBE, DL , or also known as Terry Wogan, is a veteran Irish radio and television broadcaster who holds dual Irish and British citizenship. Wogan has worked for the BBC in the United Kingdom for most of his career...
and the late Richard Whiteley
Richard Whiteley
John Richard Whiteley, OBE DL , usually known as Richard Whiteley, was an English broadcaster and journalist. He was famous for his twenty-three years as host of Countdown, a letters and numbers arrangement game show broadcast most weekdays on Channel 4...
).
For the past few years, Baxter has been involved with various blind charities as a public speaker, educating groups of all ages about being blind as well as discussing his life experiences so far. He is currently enjoying life with full intensity, taking part in motorcycle riding, PSHE, learning to ski, and is now enjoying amateur dramatics.
In 2007 he completed a Blind Solo Lap of Donington Park
Donington Park
Donington Park is a motorsport circuit near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, England.Originally part of the Donington Hall estate, it was created as a racing circuit during the pre-war period when the German Silver Arrows were battling for the European Championship...
. "My biggest challenge yet, I rode my Ducati Monster
Ducati Monster
The Monster is a motorcycle designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi and produced by Ducati Motor Holding in Bologna, Italy since 1993...
around the hallowed circuit of Donington, the home of motorcycle racing, raising awareness for Vista, a charity helping blind people in the Midlands
English Midlands
The Midlands, or the English Midlands, is the traditional name for the area comprising central England that broadly corresponds to the early medieval Kingdom of Mercia. It borders Southern England, Northern England, East Anglia and Wales. Its largest city is Birmingham, and it was an important...
, an amazing experience and great fun."
External links
- Official website
- Action For Blind People - An audio self-discussion with Baxter.
- St. Dunstan's Charity - Blind ex-service men and women
- Action For Blind People
- Vista