Steve Hughes crossed the finish line at John O’Groats on Monday afternoon after covering a distance of more than 874 miles from Land’s End, in 14 days, four hours and 59 minutes – smashing the previous record by six days.
‘It was pure determination that got me through,’ said Mr Hughes, who crossed the line on his 50th birthday.
‘The hardest part was going up through Cornwall – there were some really tough hills – and the last few days were a real struggle, but I was never going to give up.’
The former Royal Artillery gunner, who injured his spine while serving in the British Army and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, used a special race wheelchair with carbon wheels for the challenge.
‘I had two motorbike outriders with me and my support team drove along in a motor home,’ he explained.
‘When I crossed the line it was a bit overwhelming – I had so much support from people cheering and waving – but I’ve been too tired to celebrate. I’m going to have a big party with family and friends a week on Saturday,’ added Mr Hughes, who has five children and lives in Cheshire with his wife, Jacki.
The 50-year-old said he decided to take on the fundraising challenge because he was overwhelmed by the kindness he encountered as a guest of Holidays for Heroes Jersey in the summer of 2017.
The charity sends sick and injured veterans and service personnel, as well as their families, on a week’s holiday to Jersey to aid their rehabilitation.
‘My family and myself enjoyed a wonderful holiday with them in Jersey in August 2017,’ said Mr Hughes, who has been wheelchair-bound for two and a half years.
‘Everyone was so friendly and people couldn’t do enough for us. I wanted to give something back so that other veterans and their families can experience the opportunities we had when we were there.’
Although the donations are still being counted, Mr Hughes – who served in Northern Ireland during The Troubles and has undergone three spinal operations since leaving the Army – expects to have raised more than £6,000.
‘The money is still coming in and we will be giving Holidays for Heroes Jersey their well deserved share,’ added Mr Hughes, who was also raising money for the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport team.
To donate, visit gofundme.com/ official-guinness-world-record
