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Comic Relief 2021: Who is racing driver Billy Monger and how old is he?

STORRINGTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: (EDITORS NOTE: THIS IMAGE IS EMBARGOED FROM ALL USAGES UNTIL 00:01 FEBRUARY 9,2021) Billy Monger poses for a picture at AW Performance Gym on the 22nd January 2021 in Storrington, England. Billy will be setting off at the end of February to undertake Billy's Big Challenge which will see him attempt to walk, cycle, and kayak a 140.6-mile triathlon over 4 days to raise money for Red Nose Day. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Comic Relief via Getty Images)
Billy Monger tackled a gruelling trek for Red Nose Day (Picture: Comic Relief / Getty)

Racer Billy Monger has been praised for tackling a gruelling challenge for Red Nose Day, completing 140-mile trek.

The professional racer, 21, lost his legs in a horror crash in 2017, when he was just 17-years-old.

Refusing to let the injury hold him back, he endured a four-day trek last month.

Battling the elements, he walked, kayaked and cycled 140 miles around the UK – to raise money and awareness for those in need.

His triumphant journey is the focus of BBC special, Billy Monger’s Big Red Nose Day Challenge, ahead of the main show on Friday.

Who is Billy Monger? 

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: (EDITORS NOTE: THIS IMAGE IS EMBARGOED FROM ALL USAGES UNTIL 00:01 FEBRUARY 9,2021) Billy Monger poses for a picture at Herne Hill Velodrome on the 19th January 2021 in London, England. Billy will be setting off at the end of February to undertake Billy's Big Challenge which will see him attempt to walk, cycle, and kayak a 140.6-mile triathlon over 4 days to raise money for Red Nose Day. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Comic Relief via Getty Images)
Billy lost both his legs in a horror crash (Picture: Comic Relief / Getty)

Billy Monger, also known as Billy Whizz, is an award-winning Formula 4 driver. His love of driving was sparked from a very young age, with his dad giving him his first go-kart at three-years-old.

He followed this passion up and joined F4 in 2016. 

Sadly his second season was cut short after he lost his legs in a devastating car crash.

When did Billy Monger have his crash?

STORRINGTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: (EDITORS NOTE: THIS IMAGE IS EMBARGOED FROM ALL USAGES UNTIL 00:01 FEBRUARY 9,2021) Billy Monger poses for a picture at AW Performance Gym on the 22nd January 2021 in Storrington, England. Billy will be setting off at the end of February to undertake Billy's Big Challenge which will see him attempt to walk, cycle, and kayak a 140.6-mile triathlon over 4 days to raise money for Red Nose Day. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Comic Relief via Getty Images)
Billy crashed in 2017, and nearly lost his life in the smash (Picture: Comic Relief / Getty)

Just weeks before his 18th birthday, Billy crashed his car at high speed into the back of Patrik Pasma’s stationary vehicle, while taking part in a race at Donnington Park Circuit.

He almost lost his life in the smash, and had to have both of his legs amputated – with his left leg amputated above the knee and the right leg below the knee.

Pasma didn’t suffer serious injuries.

At the time, a string of high profile drivers from across the industry – including Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button – offered their support, with a JustGiving page for the teenager raising more than £500,000.

Is Billy Monger still racing?

Embargoed to 0001 Tuesday February 09 Handout photo dated 22/01/21 of Billy Monger training at AW Performance Gym in Storrington. The racing driver and double amputee will take on a 140-mile triathlon inspired challenge to raise money for Red Nose Day. PA Photo. Issue date: Tuesday February 9, 2021. Later this month, Monger, who lost both of his legs in a racing accident three years ago, will tackle the huge distances on foot, take to freezing open waters by kayak and endure day-long stretches on a bike. See PA story SOCIAL Monger. Photo credit should read: Jordan Mansfield/Comic Relief/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Billy has been praised for his trek (Picture: PA)

Billy made his comeback to racing year after his ordeal, getting back behind the wheel of a modified car.

He managed to finish the race in third place, and had an emotional return to the podium.

What did Billy Monger do to raise money for Comic Relief 2021?

Billy embarked on an incredible challenge for Comic Relief 2021, taking on a 140-mile trek – by walking, kayaking and cycling the huge distance.

He set off from Millennium Bridge in Gateshead last month, and was cheered on by famous faces including Gabby Logan and Steve Jones.

Chris Ramsey joined the athlete for some of the journey, praising his incredible attempt.

Speaking as his challenge began, he said: ‘Suddenly it all felt very real. Walking batters my legs. Muscle wise and strength wise the morning felt good, but by lunchtime my right leg was hurting a lot. 

‘Mentally, this is the toughest day for me. Today was always going to be more of a mental challenge and a battle to get the prosthetics right.

‘When I was approached about doing this challenge. I knew if I was going to do it, I wanted to do it the way any non-disabled person would. I took part in Red Nose Day stuff at school when I was younger. I never could have imagined doing one of these challenges myself. 

‘But so many people helped me after my accident, I feel like this is a way of giving something back.’

Comic Relief kicks off on Friday, at 7pm, on BBC One.

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