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Sep 4 2024
86-year-old veteran climbs Pen y Fan with a walker
Ian Waddell, who turned 86 on March 4, 2024, has severe osteoarthritis and can't walk without two crutches or his walker. "The cardiologist team told me the closest I should ever get to a mountain is looking at a picture of it," he said. But I told them, 'Well, I am doing it anyway.'" As a veteran or former Parachute Regiment Soldier, Ian loves the outdoors and doesn't want to become a person who stays at home and watches TV all day because of his condition.
Help Ian's fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan »
By Ian Wadell, 86 years of ageHelp Ian's fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan »What can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Ian Wadell, currently at age 86. Have had many ups and downs but mostly ups. Came out of forces in my early fortees, and like many after long term engagement was a bit lost and having witnessed things that unable to discuss with those who hadn't been in same position. Became a bit of a loner but eventually settled down to a gardening /Security job and then got into a relationship, that both lasted 15yrs. Moved down to Wales and became immersed in multi day mountain running and as an offshoot. In 1992 I became the founder of the Dragon's Back Race. This entails running the length of Wales over all the mountains in 6 days . An impressive race! This race is classed as one of the top such races in the world and have many top ultra runners participating! My lasting legacy to the sport and i am realy proud of that.
Why did you reach out to the company Trionic?
However by then i had developed severe Osteoarthritis, which meant no more running but still needed to keep mobile. I tried various crutches in the beginning, but spent more time on my back than actually upright. So I started to look around locally for something better, but as is getting more common resorted to the Internet and after much searching, I came to the decision that overall Trionic looked best suited for my needs.
Can you explain why the Fundraising is so important for you?
Now that I was mobile and confident looked for a local charity to support. I always need a target and this time I settled on Ty hafan. This charity cares for children with life limiting illness, few reaching their teens. This will actually be the fourth money raising challenge I do for them.
What have you been able to do with your Trionic Veloped that you initially did not think you could do?
Now after a few months of use, I am back on footpaths, townpath etc which was impossible with crutches.
What is your goal after the hike of Pen y Fan?
This will be my last challenge, as i feel my body is just falling apart. This does not mean that i will become inactive! With my Veloped I will still be able to get out and about to a lot of places but without the pressure of fund raising.