The Disabled Adventurer launches wheelchair awareness campaign in North Devon

A crusader for better wheelchair access and technology has launched his year-long campaign on a 50 kilometre stretch of the Tarka Trail in North Devon.

Nick Wilson, a disabled war veteran and wheelchair user known as ‘The Disabled Adventurer’ began his 50at50 campaign by travelling in his powerchair from Bideford to Chivenor on the Tarka Trail and the Kings Charles III England coast path.

The campaign aims to show what long-distance accessible adventure can look like in practice for disabled people, while highlighting how much more is possible with the right equipment.

Nick also hopes to raise £150,000 to help pay for up to eight all-terrain powerchairs for outdoor venues around the UK, including one at Calvert Devon in North Devon, so more disabled people and wounded veterans can explore with greater freedom and confidence.

Above: Nick Wilson out on the Tarka Trail during his 50km powerchair challenge.

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During this year, the year he turns 50, Nick will take on several 50km stretches of trails and coastlines in the UK, but also in the USA, Dubai and Austria.

Launching his bid on the Tarka Trail was a good example to illustrate the issues he hopes to highlight. Much of the route was accessible, but one section required a last minute change of plan to continue, showing the value of clear, reliable accessibility information for wheelchair users planning outdoor journeys.

Above: Nick Wilson had support from South West-based Unique Mobility for the challenge.

It also showed the limitations of current battery technology for powered chairs. During the route, the chair’s battery dropped far more quickly than expected, leaving Nick to reach one battery change point with only eight per cent charge left.

It highlighted how unpredictable battery range can be and how quickly a long-distance route can become a serious access issue if a wheelchair user is left without enough charge, reliable route information or nearby support.

The journey required two battery changes, support from Unique Mobility engineer Lee Johns and Quantum sales manager Kevin Atkins, spare batteries, a support van and a back-up chair, underlining the scale of support currently needed to make 50km possible in his Quantum 4Front 2 powerchair.

Above: During the 50at50 powerchair challenge launched in North Devon, Nick Wilson’s chair needed two battery changes – he is campaigning for better technology to aid chair users.

Speaking of his experience in North Devon, Nick said: The scenery is incredible and that makes every kilometre worth it, but the day also showed exactly why this campaign matters. The battery drop-off in the second half tested me, but that's all part of the adventure.

“What I didn't expect was to find part of the coastal path inaccessible on the day - despite doing all my research beforehand. That's not a criticism of anyone, it's a reminder that the sector still has work to do.

“Huge thanks to Lee at Unique Mobility and Kevin from Quantum for the kit and support that made this possible. The Tarka Trail stepped up and delivered. Hard-standing the whole way and every bit of it worth it.”

The challenge followed a successful visit to Calvert Devon near Kentisbury, where Nick showcased a Quantum Outback all-terrain powerchair that will be donated through the campaign.

The centre is developing what is believed to be one of the UK’s first off-road circuits designed specifically to give people the chance to experience this kind of all-terrain powerchair access.

Dibble Digital is the first sponsor supporting the year-long 50at50 campaign. Nick is now looking for further sponsors and partners to help raise £150,000, with donations also welcome via www.disabledadventurer.com

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