It was a tragic motorcycle accident at the age of 18 that reshaped his future.
And whilst Peter Downing lost the ability to walk, the impact on his mobility was superseded by his large personality.
David Pointer spoke at his friend’s funeral, a packed service that saw a south Norfolk church filled with more than 230 loved ones.
Mr Pointer said: “He was a Hempnall boy through and through.
“Following his accident, Peter's life changed dramatically – or rather, his mobility changed dramatically.
“His friends, his loves, his sense of adventure and humour certainly didn’t change.
“You can’t begin to do justice to the achievements he made against the odds. He was a remarkable man.”
Mr Downing had many passions, and sport filled his early years.
He was an exceptional footballer and became the village team’s youngest ever captain. He also captained the cricket team at Long Stratton High School, a role that saw him hit national headlines.
He loved watching Norwich City with his friends and on one occasion, realising if they played a school cricket match they would miss the Canaries in the cup, they called off the match.
They were caught and banned from the team.
News soon got out and a Fleet Street reporter appeared at the school gates asking for the offenders. The story made national newspapers and, as a result, the three offenders were quickly forgiven.
READ MORE: Family pays tribute to 'devoted father and fitness fanatic' who died aged 51
READ MORE: Janet Muter, owner of Brundall's secret lake gardes, dies aged 93
Another of his loves was watching motorcycle racing, especially at Snetterton, near Attleborough, where he would later race in his wheelchair.
He passed his motorcycle test at the age of 16 and visited race circuits across the country.
Two years later, he was riding home from work when he was involved in an accident with a lorry near Saxlingham Nethergate's war memorial. He was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (N&N) before being airlifted to Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire.
He was T3 paraplegic paralysed from the chest down, but he overcame adversity and went on to live a fulfilled life.
Visiting live music gigs also saw him travel the UK, and he would go on to become one of the first wheelchairs users to go to several bird-watching venues, including Strumpshaw Fen.
Twenty-five years ago, he met his soulmate Christine Barnes, who worked at Hempnall Surgery. She affectionately called him her “Big D” while he in return called her “Baby”.
The couple moved in together and enjoyed many holidays, including to the Caribbean, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Retired rector, the Revd Michael Kingston, spoke on behalf of Mrs Barnes at Mr Downing's funeral.
He said: “Peter’s disability never stopped him. He was determined to lead a full life. He would not let anything stop him or get in his way.”
His determination to succeed at wheelchair racing is seen by the many cups and medals he won.
Mr Pointer added: “If the measure of a man is the friendships he makes and the joy he brings, then he was a giant amongst men.”
Mr Downing loved the seaside, a pint of Ghost Ship, fish and chips, train rides to the coast, days at the races, watching cricket and growing vegetables in the garden and tomatoes in his greenhouse.
In the past he played table tennis and basketball and wrote letters to friends telling them Hempnall news.
Peter Leslie “Herbert” Downing died at the N&N on Sunday, February 12 aged 71. His funeral took place on Monday, March 13 at St Margaret’s Church, Hempnall.
His 22 London Marathon and International Marathon race medals were attached to the casket, adorned with his racing and motorbike helmets and a cauliflower – the only flower he ever grew.
He was a brother to Ann, Janet (deceased), and Shelagh, and a much-loved loved uncle, great uncle and great great uncle.
- To read all of the EDP obituaries and tributes click here.
- To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk
- To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here