Foot after foot: Amputee veterans a day ahead of world record chase in Bhutan
"Foot after foot after foot" is the motto for two Armed Forces veterans, living with below-knee amputations one week into their attempt to conquer the Full Snowman Trek in Bhutan.
Thanks to the satellite phone of their local guide Ugyel, RAF Corporal Rich 'Dickie' Davies could tell BFBS Forces News how "monumental" their Day 7 of the challenge dubbed 'most difficult trek in the world' went and how the pair were now a day ahead of schedule.
Former British Army Captain Rich Potter said how "proud" he was of his teammate and their eight-strong local team that helped him battle the times when we thought they "wouldn't get this far".
"A week in, there were times we didn't think we would get this far, Rich said.
The former British Army Captain added: "A big kudos to you (Dickie) and the team, everyone's working so hard to the point now that we are actually a day ahead of what we are meant to be.
"That speaks volumes to everything going on up here (pointing to head), because the physical stuff is reasonably easy, foot after foot after foot."
On the challenging month-long Full Snowman Trek, they will cross 10 high passes over 4,500m that define the borders of Bhutan and Tibet, reaching altitudes of around 5,900m, while also wild camping every night in temperatures as low as -25°C.
The two close friends, who formed a strong family bond ever since their shared journey on Invictus Games – the international multi-sport event launched in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex – are on track not just to complete it but also to set a world record as the first and fastest amputees.
The veterans want to "dispel the myth" and "change the narrative" on society's view of disabled people's abilities, and reset the limits of what's possible for amputees.
Rich Potter and Rich Davies, as well as going for the amputee world record attempt of the Full Snowman Trek, are raising money for Blesma, the military limbless charity, and the Royal British Legion.
"Two incredible charities who have had a profound impact on our lives," Rich said.
You can follow their journey on Instagram and donate to their goal via their JustGiving page.
Rich added: "Please keep doing what you are doing, follow, like share, without you guys, we are not going to hit our fundraising target and most importantly we are not going to be able to spread the message.
"So the Limbitless Expedition...."
Dickie adds: "...step into adversity".
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
