Injured US Navy Pilot makes Land’s End to John O’Groats record for the Legion
16 August 2009
Injured US Navy pilot Commander Rick Ryan has become a record breaker, completing an 874 mile Land's End to John O'Groats trek using only the power of his arms. He halved the arm-powered wheelchair record, making it to the coast in 8 days 10 hours 9 mins. He halved the arm-powered wheelchair record, making it to the coast in 8 days 10 hours 9 mins.
The former marathon runner undertook the grueling journey in remembrance of US and British Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan and to raise funds for The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal and three other service charities.
Cdr Ryan began his Ride For Remembrance from Land's End, Cornwall, by hand-powered wheelchair trike at 6.00am on Friday 7 August and by 8.00pm the first evening had reached Exeter in Devon, a distance of 124 miles.
At bridges and lay-bys along many parts of his route, he has been supported by members of The Royal British Legion and by passing motorists who have been donating contributions through their windows to Cdr Ryan's back-up team.
"With every mile that goes by the task gets no easier, but with the support and encouragement of the Legion and the British public, it's looking good for the remainder of the journey," Cdr Ryan said on Thursday.
"I am determined to keep the memory of our fallen heroes alive."
Anyone wishing to donate to Ride For Remembrance should visit: www.firstgiving.com/rideforremembrance.
For detailed timings and further information please contact:
Rick Ryan's Support Team
M: 0786 843 7009
or
John Pentreath
Devon County Manager
The Royal British Legion
T: 01392 273111
E: jpentreath@britishlegion.org.uk
