NOT content with becoming a world record holder former Warrington soldier Ste Hughes is back on the fund-raising trail to help fellow veterans.
After setting a new world record in the time taken to go from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a wheelchair last year, Ste is now planning a 100km sit ski ultra marathon in Germany, a John O’Groats to Landsend on a roller sitski and a 1900 miles push on the Wild West Route 66 in America.
He is aiming to raise funds for the Armed forces community hub Warrington, Bike Tours for the Wounded and Holidays for Heroes Jersey.
He has been using a wheelchair following nine operations on a degenerative spine condition resulting from an injury picked up while training with the army after serving in the Royal Artillery for 4 years in Germany and Northern Ireland.
As well as injurying his spine on an assault course he also suffers with PTSD andf has also undergone four brain operations.
Last year the 49-year-old from Appleton took 14 days to complete the 874 mile journey Land’s End to John O’Groats journey, beating the previous record by six days.
Ste said: “After being a keen runner I had to re-evaluate my life and it has been a hard transition. I suffered depression and anxiety on top of my PTSD. I was watching the commonwealth paralympic games which gave me inspiration.
“I was inspired by paralympian David Weir and I’ve had the pleasure to meet and race in the same race as him a few times.
“Then while attending an Invictus taster day I met my skiing coach who encouraged me to try para nordic sit skiing. I have been doing this for two years now and it is my favoured sport.
“To date I have taken part in countless marathons, ultra marathons and endurance events.”
Ste added: “Bike tours for the wounded are my primary beneficiary but I’m also fundraising for the armed forces community hub in Warrington for whom I am an ambassador and Holidays for Heroes in Jersey.
I was recognised earlier this year receiving a highly commended cheshire award for my fundraising.
He is planning to do his ski marathon next month (February), John O’Groats to Land’s End from May 28 to June 6th and Route66 in August.
Donations can be made online here https://bt4tw.everydayhero.com/uk/one-big-push-down-route66
