Craig's Story

Riffleman Craig Wood lost both his legs and an arm when he was blown up by a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan. He was just 18 at the time. 

Despite losing both of his legs and an arm, this hasn’t deterred Craig. Earlier this summer, Craig made history by becoming the world’s first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific.

The whole expedition covered 7,506 nautical miles from Mexico to Japan and took 90 days to complete – a truly incredible feat. 

It is incredible to think that I am the first triple amputee in history to sail solo and unsupported across the Pacific, but I’m incredibly proud and want to be an example to anyone else living as an amputee that you can achieve any goal you set out to - there are no limits.

Craig Wood

We are thrilled to announce that Craig has exceeded his fundraising target of £50,000! We'd like to thank GB News for featuring Craig's story and a special mention from presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello. There's still time to donate to Craig's fundraiser. Every donation can make a difference to an injured or limbless veteran's life.

Craig's fundraising page

My Service

"I had always wanted to join the British Army. I signed up at 17 and loved it straight away, it was the lifestyle that I really enjoyed. I deployed to Sangin, in Afghanistan, in April 2009, three days after my 18th birthday.

Three months in, I got blown up. We had been out on a routine patrol when we stopped for a drink. When we set off again, I remember walking forward a few metres and then just seeing a white flash. I instantly knew – and
felt – that something was very wrong. I landed heavily and I remember my friend shouting my name. After that, I blacked out.

I was in a coma for 14 days before I woke up in hospital back in the UK. It was surreal. I’d lost both legs above the knee and my left arm below the elbow. I had pretty serious facial injuries, too. I knew I was severely injured, but I tried to keep a positive mental attitude."

Staying Positive

"I’ve had so many operations over the last seven years that I can’t even count them all. I’ve had 10 operations on my face alone, and lots more on my arms, legs and body. Learning to walk again took eight months, and I was at Headley Court, undergoing rehabilitation, for four and a half years in total.

I had all kinds of issues – your stumps change and surgery alters things. You get knock-backs and have to re-learn the basics of walking all over again."

Life After Injury  

"I joined Blesma as soon as I was injured in 2009 – they were by my bedside from the very beginning. They’ve helped me out with practical things, like adaptations to my house, and they’ve been there with emotional support, too.

Blesma has given me the strength to move forwards with my life, and I’m incredibly grateful to them for that."

Making History 

In 2025, Craig sailed over 7,000 nautical miles from Mexico to Japan to raise money for Blesma and Turn 2 Starboard. 

Craig has reached his fundraising target of £50,000. If you'd like to add to his incredible fundraiser and show your support, please follow the link below.

Click here to support him