Veteran's hand crank challenge to 'inspire others'

An army veteran who completed the equivalent distance of the Isle of Man's Parish Walk on a hand crank machine after losing the use of his legs said he hoped his efforts would "inspire others".

Mike Ryan said he decided to complete the 85-mile (137km) challenge at the National Sports Centre (NSC) as the event's route would be "impossible" in a wheelchair due to the hills.

He said he had decided to take on the venture, which he completed in just over six hours, to "surprise" himself and demonstrate to others "I am more than what you see".

Mr Ryan said: "It is easy for people to look at people with a disability and think they are 50% of the next person... give me an option to be judged on a level playing field and I won't come last."

The former member of the Royal Engineers said he decided to use the hand crank machine, which is designed to improve upper body fitness, because it was the only piece of exercise equipment he could use that registered a distance.

Mr Ryan, who served in the British Army between 1994 and 2001 and did tours of Germany, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, said he broke his legs in more than 140 places over a three year period.

He was referred to the NSC by the island's mental health services due to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after leaving military service.

Attending the gym sessions "helps me get out of the house more and combat stress", he said.

He said he had "jokingly" asked to sign up for the Parish Walk Challenge at the NSC, which sees entrants complete the distance of the walk on a variety of gym equipment, but had then taken it on in earnest.

After receiving a medal for completing the task, he said although it was different from the annual walk itself it was no less of an achievement.

"I know it is not the same as completing the Parish Walk, but I would say to anyone to go and do 85 miles in a day is challenging, even if it is not the same challenge," he said.

Encouraging others with PTSD to seek help, he said: "Don't suffer in silence like I did for a few years."

Completing the challenge in six hours and 15 minutes, Mr Ryan raised about £650 for local charity Bridge the Gap, which aims to help young people with long-term health conditions.

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