Thomas Neathway

Corporal Tom Neathway, now 28, joined the Parachute Regiment in 2001 and is a veteran of multiple tours of Northern Ireland, Iraq & Afghanistan. On his last Afghan tour in 2008, Tom triggered a booby trap while covering his platoon moving forward. The blast took off both his feet and the severity of his wounds led to amputation of both legs and one arm. Tom still works with the Paras and visits other soldiers who have sustained major injuries, supporting them through the difficult days of recovery and convincing them that a full life is possible after major trauma. Tom shows just how full life can be through his membership of Race2Recovery, a racing team of wounded soldiers, inspired to take up cross country racing and raise money for 3 incredible service charities that helped them during their recovery. Race2Recovery aims to complete the hardest motor sport race in the world - The Dakar Rally Raid. In January 2013 the team will start the race in South America after 18 months training and racing in the UK, Europe & North Africa. Tom will be the first triple amputee to compete and will co-drive with an experienced off-road racer. The rally covers 9000km in 15 days in Argentina & Chile across some of the most arduous terrain on the planet with enormous stress and strain on the driving team. Tom and his soldier colleagues hope that teamwork, sense of humour & experience of sleep deprivation gained in the military will give them an edge over more experienced teams in this event.