Amputee Veterans Undertake ‘World’s Toughest’ Trek

Two former military personnel with disabilities have recently returned from one of the globe’s most challenging treks, an endeavor undertaken by only a few individuals annually. Rich Potter, aged 40, and Rich Davies, aged 37, both residents near Norwich and both leg amputees, undertook the demanding, high-altitude Snowman Trek in Bhutan, which severely tested their endurance. Mr. Davies, who resides in Horstead, seeks to collect £50,000 for the Royal British Legion, while Mr. Potter, from Brundall, aims for £50,000 to benefit Blesma, an organization dedicated to assisting limbless veterans. However, achieving these fundraising goals is also proving difficult. Mr. Davies, a former RAF corporal, still needs approximately £48,000, and Mr. Potter, a former Army captain, is short by around £43,000. Departing for Bhutan in early October, Mr. Davies and Mr. Potter had the objective of becoming the inaugural amputees to complete the 220-mile (370km) journey, which ascends to elevations exceeding 16,000ft (5,000m). Both individuals underwent below-the-knee leg amputations following accidents and secured gold medals at the Invictus Games held in Dusseldorf, Germany, in 2023. The pair, accompanied by support teams, shared with BBC Radio Norfolk their appreciation for the irony of residing in Norfolk, recognized as one of England’s most level counties. Mr. Potter returned home several days prior to 11 November, Remembrance Day, having finished the trek in 28 days. Mr. Davies had covered approximately 85 miles (140 km) over 12 days before swelling in the stump of his amputated leg compelled him to halt his progress. However, Mr. Davies stated that they remained significantly short of their fundraising objectives. He further commented, “Donations have just not been coming in,” “I think I am on about £1,800.” “Rich [Potter] is just shy of £7,000.” Mr. Potter described the trek as the most challenging undertaking of his life. He recounted, “When I was with Rich [Davies], we didn’t see any snow at all,” “Once we hit day 15 it was pretty much snow every single day.” “Some of it was knee-high.” “It’s just absolutely sapping in terms of energy, because it sucks your prosthetic almost into the ground.” He mentioned that the apprehension of falling and perishing was a constant presence in his thoughts. He stated, “Unfortunately people have died on the snowman trek in the last couple of years,” “You kind of have that in the back of your mind as you are going down these paths.” “This is a really bad turn of phrase, and I don’t like using it, but it felt like at times I was walking in a minefield because every single step is mentally sapping.” He further added, “You are just watching where you are putting your foot because the risk of slipping and rolling your good ankle and falling is just too much to comprehend.” “It’s not something I would rush to [do] again. I mean, I am all for a challenge and all for doing stuff, but it was absolutely the most difficult thing I have ever done.” Mr. Davies informed the BBC, “It’s the toughest trek in the world for a reason – that’s for able-bodied people,” “We are the first disabled people to attempt it.” Mr. Davies mentioned that they had engaged in trekking for eight hours daily. He stated, “In the 12 days I did, before my leg swelled up too much, I lost three kilos (7lb),” “Rich Potter trekked for 28 days and lost a pound or two under 10 kilos (22 lb).” The Snowman Trek Mr. Davies recounted that he had been progressing without significant issues until his trek abruptly concluded, leaving him “devastated.” He commented, “My leg was holding up incredibly well,” “Then, suddenly, it swelled up one day and I couldn’t get any [artificial] legs on.” He further added, “By the time Rich [Potter] got to the end… he was bleeding through dressings and taking antibiotics.” Mr. Davies expressed his hope that their endeavor had demonstrated to both able-bodied and disabled individuals the scope of what is achievable. He remarked, “I think people are getting too comfortable,” “You have got your TVs, you have got your sofas, you have got your games consoles.” He concluded, “We are just two middle-aged dads who wanted to go out and prove to ourselves: ‘Do you know what? We are still capable of achieving greatness’.”