AARON ‘Wheelz’ Fotheringham is unable to control his legs – but that hasn’t stopped him achieving SIX world records and becoming a sporting superstar. Aaron was born with Spina Bifida, a rare congenital defect of the spine that often causes paralysis of the lower limbs. Aaron, 27, got his first wheelchair when he was just three years old and soon began his journey into the world of Wheelchair Motocross. Residing in Las Vegas, Aaron told Barcroft TV: “I wouldn’t say that Spina Bifida defines me. “I’ve become a professional WCMX (Wheelchair Motocross) rider, which is pretty much taking skateboard and BMX tricks and performing them on a wheelchair. “I was the first ever person to land the backflip, the double backflip, front flip, a backflip 360 and a backflip 180 on a wheelchair. “I was 14 at the time I landed the backflip – I have tried this trick hundreds of times since and I’ve only landed it twice.” Due to his condition, Aaron has now had 22 surgeries. “Growing up with all the surgeries, I spent a lot of time in the hospital – that was rough,” he said. “It affects the strength in my knees, my ankles and my hips. I have a little bit of movement in my hips and my knees, but nothing in my ankles. “I would actually say the most challenging thing about life with Spina Bifida is the way other people treat me because of it.” Aaron has amassed a strong following online, with more than 500,000 followers on Instagram. His biggest support comes from his wife, Charlee. She said: “I think that what Aaron shows individuals, is that the struggle doesn’t define you for the rest of your life.” Aaron would now like to see himself progress further in the sport and to make Wheelchair Motocross more popular with the public. “I want to see more kids out there in the parks, having fun with their wheelchair,” he said. “Riding has given me so much to be thankful for.”