Disabled Veteran to Take on York 10K in Full Army Chemical Protection Suit

John, 52, is a disabled Army veteran who is taking on the York 10K in one of the military's toughest outfits: full chemical protection kit.

The challenge is particularly remarkable given John's long battle with a serious back injury. While serving in the British Army, he broke his back in 2000, but the injury went undiagnosed until 2015.

During those years, John completed three tours of Iraq and Afghanistan while living with increasing levels of pain. As his condition worsened, so too did his reliance on pain medication.

John left the Army in 2008 and later took on a desk-based role, having pushed his body as far as he could. After his injury was finally diagnosed, he underwent surgery to stabilise his spine using titanium implants. However, the operation did not deliver the results he had hoped for.

Within two weeks he was signed off work, and within two months he was almost completely bed-bound.

Over the following years, John slowly regained some mobility. After repeatedly declining his GP's offers to increase his morphine prescription, he eventually accepted a higher dosage and found it enabled him to be more active and regain some independence.

Although he can no longer run, John is determined to continue challenging himself. He now takes part in endurance events by walking, often adding an extra layer of difficulty by wearing the Army's full chemical protection kit, including a helmet, full-face respirator, charcoal-lined suit, rubber gloves and over-boots.

The York 10K is one of a growing number of fundraising challenges John has completed in support of Walking With The Wounded, a charity that supports veterans. His achievements include walking road race routes of up to 100km and completing laps around sports pitches and major venues, all while raising money for causes close to his heart.

For John, every challenge is about proving that disability does not have to define what a person can achieve, while also giving back to fellow veterans through his fundraising efforts.