'I want to set Manx wheelchair marathon record'

An army veteran who has needed a wheelchair since being injured while serving intends to become the first Manx wheelchair user to complete the London marathon.

Although not the first Manx person to take on the feat, with an unsuccessful attempt in 2013, Mike is hoping to be the first to complete the distance.

"I'm anxious about it. I know I will have to go to a really dark place to complete it, but once I cross that finish line, I will feel like I am invincible," he said.

Mike was injured while serving in the Royal Engineers in the 1990s.

Mike's legs were fractured in about 140 places. Complications during surgery damaged nerves and meant he needed to use a wheelchair.

Last year, he completed a challenge which saw him cover the distance of the Parish Walk, 85 miles (137km) on a hand crank machine.

"I had always wanted to run the London marathon, but then my injuries put an end to that and I thought that's never going to happen now," he said.

"Then during the Parish Walk challenge last year, I thought to myself, endurance is good, fitness is good, mindset seems good, so I thought I could give it a good crack.

He also hoped it would show people what those with disabilities are able to do.

'Strong mind'

"I love the idea that somebody with a disability who thinks their life is pretty doomed can see something like this, and it just gives them that little push to do something for themselves," he said.

Raising money for local mental health charity Isle Listen, he said: "I'm a big believer that you can have everything going for you, but mental health can crush all of that."

"I have PTSD from the military, and I see that as my biggest disability.

"There's a slope that goes to my front door, I have accessible vehicles, and yet I still have trouble going out and doing everyday stuff because of the problems I deal with daily with my PTSD," he said.

"So I think it is so important to keep your head health good," he added.

He said completing the feat "shows myself I am still able," adding, "it helps me to conquer my mental health issues, because you can't do London marathon in your house, so it involves getting outside and conquering obstacles".

"Should I get toe the finish line, I will have the very first wheelchair marathon record for the island," he continued.

Despite being unable to train due to injury, he said: "One way or another I will get to the finish line."