Wounded Veterans to take on Triple Seven challenge for new Defence National Rehabilitation Centre

Blesma Member Ibrar Ali and wounded veteran Luke Wigman are taking on the gruelling challenge of running seven marathons in seven different continents in seven days.

The veteran pair are taking on the challenge to raise funds for the new Defence National Rehabilitation centre which is currently being built through charitable funds.

The £300 million project for a new “Headley Court” began as a conversation between the late Duke of Westminster and Blesma’s president, Gerald Grosvenor, and General Sir Tim Granville-Chapman, then the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff in 2009.

“After being injured whilst serving, I went to Headley Court myself and had rehab,” said Ibi, who is from North Yorkshire. “It was fantastic and very successful, so much so that I went back to Iraq 18 months later. It’s close to my heart and I want to help future servicemen and women get the help that they deserve.”

Ibi was a Captain in the Army when he was injured whilst serving in Basrah, Iraq in 2007. Ibi was hit by a roadside bomb which caused injuries to both his legs, left wrist and an amputation to his right hand. He was later awarded the Military Cross for his actions during this incident and has since gone on to participate in the Invictus Games.

“The Triple Seven challenge was actually something Luke had on his bucket list. We met at the Invictus Games and I suggested the idea to DNRC. Next thing I was roped in too,” said Ibi, who is also an ambassador for DNCR.

Rehabilitation played a crucial part in former RAF serviceman Luke’s recovery too. Five years ago, Luke stepped on an IED whilst on a foot patrol in Afghanistan. The blast left Luke with limited movement and a complete loss of sensation to his left knee. Eventually after many operations and years of rehabilitation and physiotherapy, he regained he use of his knee but still continues to feel pain.

The Triple Seven challenge requires the pair to battle through all types of conditions and environments from snow and icy hills and desert sandstorms. They will start their challenge at Union Glacier, Antarctica and end their challenge in Sydney, Australia.  On the way the pair will also do marathons in Punta Arenas, South America - Miami, North America - Madrid, Europe - Marrakesh, Africa and Dubai, Asia.

“I am a little nervous. I’d compare it to the first time you go out on operations,” said Ibi.

The pair will begin their challenge on Monday 23rd January 2017. If you would like more information on the challenge visit http://invincible.org.uk/ or to donate visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/invincible