Wheelchair-Bound Veteran Aims to Make History at London Marathon

A former army engineer who has been confined to a wheelchair since suffering devastating injuries in service is preparing to attempt a historic feat at the London Marathon.

Mike Ryan, a veteran of the Royal Engineers, is striving to become the first wheelchair user from the Isle of Man to complete the iconic race. While others from the island have taken on the challenge before, no wheelchair participant has successfully finished it.

Ryan sustained severe injuries in the 1990s, with his legs fractured in approximately 140 places. Complications during surgery caused nerve damage, leaving him unable to walk. Despite these life-altering circumstances, he has refused to let his condition define his limits.

“I know it will be incredibly tough, and I’ll have to push myself to the edge,” Ryan said. “But crossing that finish line would make me feel unstoppable.”

His determination was strengthened last year when he completed the grueling 85-mile Parish Walk using a hand-powered machine. The experience convinced him that both his physical endurance and mental resilience could carry him through the marathon.

Beyond personal achievement, Ryan hopes his effort will inspire others living with disabilities. He wants people who feel restricted by their circumstances to see that meaningful goals are still within reach.

The veteran is also using his challenge to support mental health awareness, raising funds for a local charity. Having experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he describes mental health as his greatest ongoing battle.

“Even with accessibility and support, mental health can make everyday tasks difficult,” he explained. “That’s why taking on something like the marathon is so important—it pushes me to get out, face challenges, and keep moving forward.”

Despite limited training due to injury setbacks, Ryan remains resolute. “One way or another, I will reach that finish line,” he said.

If successful, his achievement will not only mark a historic moment for the Isle of Man but also stand as a powerful testament to perseverance, courage, and the strength of the human spirit.