Wheelchair using veteran aiming to complete 84-mile-long Hadrian’s Wall in 24 hours

On 14 August 2023, Ret’d Corporal Tom Green, an Army veteran and paraplegic, will attempt to tackle the 84 miles of Hadrian’s Wall in under 24 hours to raise money for Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health.

If successful, Tom will become the first wheelchair user to complete the route in just one day (the only other recorded attempt stands at 10 days).

He will be using a Bowhead RX bike - a specialist off-road wheelchair - as he tackles the challenging landscape of climbs, descents and rocky terrain. Starting at the wall in Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria and following it to Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tom will have to cope with the prospect of punctures, that could cause him serious delays, and getting over stiles, which will take a lot of energy, time and effort.

The challenge takes place on the third anniversary of an accident that left Tom with lifechanging injuries. On 14 August 2020 he was cycling in a fundraising challenge for Combat Stress when he was hit from behind by a lorry travelling at 60mph. Tom was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery but was left with spinal cord injuries. Since then, with the support of his colleagues, he has continued to fundraise for Combat Stress, raising £8000 to date. He has astonished and inspired everyone he meets with his dedication and commitment to helping Combat Stress raise funds to deliver vital mental health treatment to veterans across the UK.

On his Hadrian’s Wall challenge Tom Green said: “On the anniversary of my accident, it’s so important to me to continue what I started - fundraising for this incredible charity.

“I’ve always relished pushing myself to the limit, and it’s also a chance to prove to others out there that your disability does not define you. It’s what’s inside that counts. My ethos is that life is 10% what has happened to you and 90% how you react to it.

“This is going to be my toughest challenge yet, but I’m determined to reach the finish line within 24 hours.”

To support Tom’s challenge, visit: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/thomasgreen/hadrians-wall-challenge