07/01/2026
Two years ago I lost everything, my life and world was blown apart for the second time in 10yrs, and I was alone
After 14 years in the Army, and a decade transitioning back into civilian life, I thought I knew what "rebuilding" looked like and could take on anything. I was wrong.
A degenerative spinal condition I got as a result of military service, continued to rapidly decline and in 2023 my ability to walk, stand or even sit upright was drastically restricted, becoming acts which left me in debilitating, chronic nerve pain.
Suddenly, the veteran who had led soldiers, deployed to conflict zones around the globe and trained tens of thousands, didn't know how to navigate; a kitchen, a career, even a date and my life as a whole.
The First Year was Survival. It was the brutal work of acceptance. Learning about accessibility and how to navigate the world with life changing symptoms, as there is no manual or guide on becoming disabled!
Having to find who I was again, as I did on leaving the Army, alongside asking myself; what’s my identity, my purpose, abilities, goals and realistic career, whilst also trying to manage the conditions, took a huge toll.
Believe me when I say, there were many many dark days, scarily dark days, where I began hurting myself and didn't want to see days end, let alone another sunrise!
During the second year, I had begun to form a loose strategy and it's when "Disabled Adventurer" slowly began to take shape and I focused on changing my mindset from; "Why me?" to "What’s next?"
Now, as I enter the third year and 2026 slowly begins to reveal itself, I find myself in the best position I've had for many years, momentum appears to still be going favourably and the potential for my life seems like a dream. Am I really going to be financially independent for the first time in over a decade and actually create positive change for others!?
I don't have every answer. I still struggle mentally at times, get things wrong, and my health conditions require exhaustive management, which can really kick my arse and limit me, but what I do now have is:
🤙Clarity: I know exactly who I am.
🤙Community: I've a growing support network.
🤙Conviction: My mission is my passion, belief and life.
🤙Collaboration: I've got the attention of change-makers.
The past two years were horrific, but they were also foundational. Every struggle was an investment in the impact I’m about to make and this year we’re going global, creating lasting change and inviting you to join us.
There are many people and organisations to thank, but specifically as Disabled Adventurer, I must highlight Quantum Rehab UK for their support and belief in my vision and ability to achieve it.
I'm proud to be powered by Quantum
Make sure you're following me, share my videos/posts, and keep engaging, as we're on this journey together x
