Disabled Adventurer

25/12/2024

21/12/2024

The greatest gift you can give to the world is your Kindness and Vulnerability. So today, I gift these to you all by sharing mine...

I'm an every day guy, who's trying to find ways to get through life and manage the difficulties that exist and the new ones as they come my way, whilst trying to help others along the way.

I don't say this in a bad way against myself, I simply don't want people to think they can't do the things I am or achieve the goals they have in life.

I'm scared of what comes next, the economy, the government's opinions of people with disabilities and what mental illness is/isn't. I'm afraid I'll lose what little security i have and I don't know how I'll get by when my conditions declined further.

I'm lonely and socially isolated, whilst I have 1000s of followers and you lovely people offer support to me, it won't take my hand when I'm scared, it won't hold me close when am overwhelmed and it won't put a hand on my shoulder and tell me it's going to be alright.

But. I know we've survived another year, however we've done it is irrelevant because we are here, so it's time to rest and reflect on what we did well and the mistakes made, to celebrate, learn and start 2025 as a better version of who we are today.

I believe in you all. Which might seem doubtful as I've never spoken to many of you reading this. However, I can say I believe in you, because you're here today reading this and if you made it this far, you can make it a little further, and a little further, and a little more, until one day things turn around for you and you're given the opportunity to make changes.

We ALL need to keep going, until that opportunity is given to us, whenever that might be.

Please know, you have my belief, you have my kindness, you have my vulnerabilities and I'll always do whatever I can, to help wherever and whenever I can.

Have the best Xmas you possibly can, rest, reflect and keep believing, as anything is possible whilst you are xx

16/12/2024

As an Army Veteran and Disabled person, Christmas isn't always the joyful season it’s made out to be.

For many of us, this time of year amplifies feelings of loneliness and disconnection. The images of families, couples, and friends coming together, laughing and loving, can be a painful reminder of what’s missing in our lives.

For me, living alone with complex PTSD, a spinal condition that leaves me in constant nerve pain, and the weight of being a disabled Veteran, Christmas sometimes feels less like a celebration and more like a spotlight on my isolation. Being both disabled and a Veteran creates a double layer of separation. Society often doesn’t understand Veterans, and disability further distances you from the community.

While people around me are making plans, exchanging gifts, or simply being with their loved ones, I’m reminded of how much life has changed and how far removed I feel from the world I once knew. It’s not just the physical pain or the psychological toll—it’s the silence, the absence of connection, and the persistent question that gnaws at my mind: "What’s the point!?"

Here’s the hard truth I’ve learned: those dark thoughts, as overwhelming as they can be, don’t define the end. Life can feel unbearably heavy, however I’ve found having a purpose, can be the anchor that helps me stay afloat. It isn't meant to be a cure or magical fix, more a reason to get up each day and keep going during the really tough times.

A purpose doesn't have to be some big commitment, so dont overthink it and start small. A hobby, an activity, or even a routine that forces you to get out of bed each day. For me, it's filming and creating videos, getting outside and going adventuring.

The point isn’t to try and solve all your problems with one action or pretend everything is okay. They won’t erase the pain or the isolation and the moments won't fix everything—it’s about finding reasons to keep going and creating memories of light and joy, which you can look back on during difficult times.

Whether it’s joining a community group, volunteering, or simply getting out for a cup of coffee with others, these small steps add up and result in the laying of solid foundations, helping you to start rebuilding your life.

To anyone out there feeling the same loneliness this Christmas, you’re not alone in this struggle. It’s okay to feel how you feel. But know this: there’s still a reason to keep going. You may not see it now, and it might take time to find, but purpose exists—even in the smallest of things. And sometimes, it’s those small things that can make all the difference.

15/12/2024

Xmas Lights for charity

15/12/2024

Quick update, am starting here, blue dot, and will be following Abbotsbury Dr round, before heading to Larch Grove 🎅

15/12/2024

Sunset at Daventry Country Park

13/12/2024

Couldn't film tonight after a rough couple of days, but hoping to be out Saturday evening, filming the new estate from Redcar Road (Burcote end) to Aintree Avenue opposite the racecourse.

Give us a beep, wave or say "Hey", if you see me, always nice to actually meet people away from socials and keep the information coming on places to film.

Thanks guys you're all AMAZABLES 💚🎅

12/12/2024

I'll always help people wherever possible and here I've gone through my filming kit, to put together the ideal starter bundle for any budding vlogger, content creator or videographer.

Find out more details via the below link to FB marketplace and feel free to comment or DM any questions,

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gqi1ySbeC/

11/12/2024

Here's the streets I'll be visiting later today from about 1630hrs onwards, just keep an eye out for a powerchair with lots of lights 🎅😂

09/12/2024

Here you have everything needed to begin working from home or as a first PC, all for the crazy low price of ONLY £100, only reason being I want to help someone out 💚

https://www.facebook.com/share/15NBQct8ve/

❇️ Main PC Tower 8GB RAM - AMD A8 Radeon R7 3.1Mhz quad core

❇️ Curved HD monitor - has a slight mark on the screen, but doesn't impact its use

❇️ Keyboard and mouse

❇️ Logi computer speakers

❇️ Logi HD we**am

All are in good working order and condition, aside from the small mark to the monitor as mentioned above and have tried to show in images.

It is a perfect set up for surfing the web, streaming videos, carrying out multiple tasks and applications, doing light editing to images/videos and completing office or home work.

I also have a photo printer and scanner available at an extra cost of £50 if this would be of interest.

09/12/2024

First night of filming 🎄🎅

03/12/2024

I had SO much fun on Quantum Rehab UK new chair, Outback, and believe me when I say it got thoroughly tested, as I took to the woods without a path in site!! 😉😏

Launching January 2025, the Quantum Outback is built for those who blaze their own trails and embrace every adventure! 🍃✨ From rugged paths to untouched terrains, this all -terrain powerchair ensure you can truly Make Your Own Path.

Pictured here is Nick Wilson the inspiring Disabled Adventurer, taking on the outdoors in the Quantum Outback. Whether you're tackling trails, exploring new horizons, or conquering the unknown, the Outback will be your ultimate companion.

📧 Want to be the first to know all the juicy details? Sign up for our newsletter, and stay informed as we gear up for the big launch. https://quantumrehab.co.uk/newsletter/

02/12/2024

"At what cost, success!?" - I was included in the prestigious DisabilityPower100 recently, but didn't attend or announce it, as I'm not sure whether it's a good thing!

This has nothing to do with the inspiring individuals who were also mentioned, the work they do and of the Shaw Trust or the brilliant Celia Chartres-Aris, who was overall no.1 and is truly inspiring.

I couldn't attend the awards evening, to join in with celebrations and catch up with the connections and friends there, because I was offered paid work I couldn't turn down.

The reality is I'm skint! I've not paid myself since starting Disabled Adventurer CIC and whilst I had a free ticket as a finalist, the travel and hotel was too much. If I wasn't a finalist but wanted to go, with tickets at £250+vat each, it definitely wouldn't be accessible!

The other reality is, I'm a breath away from burnout and breakdown, but if I don't work, bills don't get paid and I can't do what I love!

Reflecting on a year of achievements and successes, such as being one of the DisabilityPower100 winners, I find myself asking; "At what cost and is it all worth it!?"

I strive to be a good disability advocate and role model to others, who doesn't just talk the talk, but also, walks the walk, (maybe it should be, rolls the roll!? 🤔😂).

So, would I be a good role model, if I shared my wins and achievements to show others what's possible, even though the cost has been high and led to a decline in my health!?

There's a growing number of disability advocates doing incredible things to bring about change. They're doing everything possible to grow the number of followers on socials, as most agencies and organisations won't touch you until you've got 10k minimum!

They're trying their hardest to be heard and seen amongst the noise and other advocates, who've been around for longer and have the followers, alongside media connections to achieve greater exposure, and it's bloody difficult.

I feel there's a perception you need to be an, "award winner" or "multi-award winner", and you've got to be in the news or on TV, before you're recognised as a "successful Disability Advocate" who is doing incredibly inspirational things for the community!?

Do we as advocates and role models, alongside organisations working with advocates and running awards, have a duty to manage such perceptions and support the individuals involved?

What is our message to the increasing numbers of people who are following in our footsteps and tread marks?

Mine is - "You can achieve greatness and bring about meaningful and long lasting change, helping the lives of thousands or even millions. But, the price can be costly if you're not careful, so think hard, speak to those further along and have a line you don't cross. Be your authentic self and you do you!"

07/11/2024

4months ago a huge injustice took place and next Tues it will finally be rectified, thanks to BBC Breakfast

On Friday 12th July, an extreme all-terrain power mobility chair prototype developed by Rock Advanced Mobility, enabled me to reach the highest accessible point of Yr Wyddfa without any physical support or assistance aides and by doing so, became the very first person to achieve it.

Unfortunately, it appeared the timing was wrong for regional and national media, meaning it wasn't overly reported on, though BBC Northamptonshire radio did look after us, and many people still don't know we actually achieved it.

However, don't think this is about my ego or me feeling hard done by, it's not even about me, but well deserved recognition for the two guys at Rock Engineering Limited, who have poured everything into this project over the past two years.

It's absolutely about showing, how inclusive design and the provision of the right equipment, in a timely manner, can help to overcome accessibility obstacles!

It's definitely about showing people with disabilities what can be achieved, without needing to be as athletic as a paralympian or have loads of money!

It's totally about developing the idea of Powerchair Adventuring and supporting the drive to make adventuring outdoors more accessible, for everyone, everywhere.

Which is why I'm super excited about telling you all, next Tuesday 12th Nov, a news piece will be featured on BBC Breakfast and there could be a little something special happening too, IF nothing more newsworthy happens between now and then🤞🤞

So, keep everything crossed for us, watch out for updates leading up to Tues and oh, don't forget to tune in to BBC Breakfast 😉