Royal Navy Veteran Amputee Attempts Solo Kayaking Distance Record

Author: Ottobock - Contact: www.ottobock.co.uk
Published: 2014/04/05 - Updated: 2015/03/18
Topic: Disability Press Releases - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Richard Hunt, Royal Navy veteran amputee, launches his 4 month kayaking trip around the UK in attempt to break solo kayaking distance record.

Introduction

Richard Hunt, a Royal Navy veteran amputee from Fareham, will tomorrow set off to kayak around the entire coast of the UK in an attempt to break the solo kayaking distance record. His challenge, in aid of BLESMA - The Limbless Veterans (formerly known as the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association) and aptly named 'The Great Paddle Round' is expected to take around four months. His challenge will launch from the HMS Victory in Portsmouth today, the last ship he served on before being medically discharged from the Royal Navy. He will undertake the challenge wearing a waterproof prosthetic limb provided by prosthetic specialists, Ottobock.

Main Item

Continued below image.
Richard Hunt kayaking
Richard Hunt kayaking
Continued...

With MP Mark Hoban and Mayor of Fareham Susan Bayford in attendance to see Richard launch his challenge, he hopes to travel a distance of approximately 2,300 miles using a sit-on-top kayak, which will break the current record for the longest solo kayak journey held by Helen Skelton on the Amazon River for Comic Relief. He has been training for 13 months preparing thoroughly for it both physically and mentally.

Richard joined the Royal Navy as an Able Seaman in Radar Operation at 17 but sustained a knee injury playing rugby. Surgery on the knee caused nerve damage and Richard was left in constant pain and discomfort. Following 20 further unsuccessful operations to correct the damage he made the difficult decision to have his leg amputated above the knee. Richard struggled to come to terms with the loss of his limb and sought help from BLESMA, the national charity for all limbless serving and ex-service men and women, their widows and dependents. The charity helped him rediscover his passion for physical activity, becoming a fan of water sports, including kayaking.

Continued below image.
kayak
kayak
Continued...

"I had been toying with the idea of setting myself a major challenge to raise money and awareness for BLESMA. That was the birth of The Great Paddle Round, a solo kayaking mission around the British Isles," states Richard Hunt. "Since receiving a new Ottobock prosthetic in February 2013, I have been training for the challenge every day. I have been gaining valuable experience on adapting kayaking techniques and the kayak itself for someone missing a leg. It is going to be a tough challenge for me but I am determined to put my all into it."

Ottobock, a world leading supplier of innovative mobility solutions, has provided Richard with a prosthetic Aqua-Limb to help him with his adventure. The Aqua-Limb is a fully waterproof prosthetic leg. It allows Richard to balance in his Kayak and improve his speed and stability. For training and every-day use, Richard uses a high-tech C-Leg, which is a computerized knee that allows him to box, cycle and lift weights in the gym.

About Ottobock

Continued below image.
Ottobock prosthetic leg
Ottobock prosthetic leg
Continued...

Ottobock is a world leading supplier of high quality, innovative and practical solutions that restore human mobility and help people to rediscover personal independence. Ottobock is part of the Ottobock global group of companies established in the UK in 1976. Its wide product range includes high quality prosthetic and orthotic components, wheelchairs, rehabilitation and mobility products available through the country's leading clinics and dealers. With a highly motivated and skilled team of professionals offering expert advice, product sales, service and support, Ottobock solutions enhance the physical comfort, confidence and mobility of the individual. Ottobock aims to achieve the best possible outcome for its customers, combining the latest technology with cutting-edge products and services.

About BLESMA

BLESMA is the national charity for all limbless serving and ex-service men and women, their widows and dependents. It is a membership organization which helps wounded service men and women rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support. Their membership includes those who have lost the use of a limb, an eye or the sight of an eye. The membership consists of men and women who have served during the Second World War and the many subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations since, including the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan

For more information on Ottobock's range of innovative solutions that restore mobility please visit www.ottobock.co.uk or follow @ottobockuk.

For more information on BLESMA injured serviceman challenge please visit www.blesma.org or follow @BLESMA

Explore Similar Topics

- Research in human and animal models points to potential biological and genetic mechanisms contributing to the diversity of behaviors seen in autism.

- MTA Construction & Development, Urbahn Architects, and Gramercy Group complete $25.8 Million renovation and ADA upgrades at the Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn Museum Subway Station in Brooklyn, New York.

Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Ottobock. (2014, April 5 - Last revised: 2015, March 18). Royal Navy Veteran Amputee Attempts Solo Kayaking Distance Record. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 17, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/news/pressreleases/kayak.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/news/pressreleases/kayak.php">Royal Navy Veteran Amputee Attempts Solo Kayaking Distance Record</a>: Richard Hunt, Royal Navy veteran amputee, launches his 4 month kayaking trip around the UK in attempt to break solo kayaking distance record.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.