Disabled veteran becomes first to complete 96km of Ridgeway National Trail in powered wheelchair as he raises money for Stubbington suicide prevention charity

A suicide survivor and campaigner for male mental health and disability, Nick Wilson took part in the 96km trek - in tributue to the 96 men who die by suicide every week in the UK - along with his team over the weekend of June 18-19.

Nick attempted suicide six years ago and battled with suicidal thoughts throughout 2021, as a result of experiencing loneliness, mental illness and crippling chronic pain caused by a declining spinal injury.

He has been raising money for R;pple, a charity set up by Stubbington woman Alice Hendy after her younger brother Josh died by suicide at the age of 21 in 2020, as well as for other mental health charities.

Ian Hendy, Alice’s dad, said: ‘We as a small family run charity are honoured that Nick nominated R;pple as one of his favoured charities to donate to.

‘The challenge he completed was extremely demanding, both physically and mentally, and the money raised will go towards the continued development of the R;pple Tool.

‘We can’t thank Nick enough.’

Nick said: ‘I truly believe in pushing boundaries, challenging the mindsets of ourselves and others, and demonstrating how having a “disability”, be this physical or mental, needn’t mean a person cannot be successful or thrive in life.

‘Disabilities may dictate “how” we do things, but not “what” we do and it is this belief, which keeps me alive.’

Visit gofundme.com/f/96km-for-96guys.