AN ARMY veteran who lost a leg in the Iraq War has joined three civilians in a bid to make history, while raising funds for worthy causes along the way.
Rory Mackenzie, a British Army veteran who lost his right leg during war, set off from Belfast on Saturday as part of ‘Ireland 360’ – the first ever mixed amputee and able-bodied circumnavigation of Ireland.
Mr Mackenzie is joined by Tim Maw, a director at a property development company; Neil Laughton, a former UK Special Forces officer turned entrepreneur, and Mark Shoosmith, managing director of a specialist vehicle garage.
The team is currently travelling down the west coast of Ireland as part of their 1,500km journey to raise awareness and funds for Help for Heroes and the RNLI.
Expedition leader, Neil Laughton, says over the years he’s shared a similar venture with one of the greats.
“Two of us, about 16 years ago, were the first and probably still the only people to take jet skis around mainland Britain for a charity and we completed that with a young man called Bear Grylls,” he said.
Weather permitting, the team are aiming to complete the journey in the next two weeks using unmodified Sea-Doo personal watercraft.
The overall objective of the expedition, apart from raising money for the charities, is to demonstrate that no matter what physical or mental obstacles are put in front of people, anything is possible.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of a challenge for causes that are so dear to my heart,” Mr Laughton added.
“As an ex-serviceman myself, I know the hardships that come after finishing a tour of duty and it’s amazing to see charities like Help for Heroes that are committed to helping our men and women, who have for fought for our country, readjust to civilian life.
“It’s been an inspiration working alongside Rory and the rest of the boys, and having such a mixed group has definitely taught me a thing or two.”
The Ireland 360 team are posting updates on their journey around Ireland on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/mawadventures/
In their latest post, they thanked the RNLI for their welcome to the Emerald Isle and added they’re feeling positive despite being understandably “weather battered, hungry and tired.”
The team have invited anyone in Wicklow to join them at their firework night at Wicklow Sailing Club next week.
Donations to the cause can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/Ireland-360/
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