Amputee Rugby Star’s Epic 651-Mile Challenge Ends in Cornwall This Week

Amputee Rugby Star’s Epic 651-Mile Challenge Ends in Cornwall This Week

Nick Kennedy takes on triathlon-style fundraiser for England PDRL World Cup dream

An amputee rugby player is set to finish a gruelling 13-day challenge in Cornwall this Thursday, after cycling, swimming and climbing his way across England.

Nick Kennedy, who lost his right arm in a traffic collision in 2018, is raising money to help England’s Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team reach the 2026 World Cup in Australia.

His journey—named TRi/Y for England—includes cycling the length of the country, swimming the full 10.5 miles of Windermere, and climbing Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. Now on day 11, he’s covered over 450 miles and is aiming to complete the 651-mile challenge in just 13 days.

Nick discovered PDRL after his accident and went on to become England’s top try scorer at the inaugural PDRL World Cup in 2022, where the team beat New Zealand in the final. He’s now helping ensure no player is left behind due to costs.

“Changing a tyre one-handed is a challenge—but I make it work,” says Nick, who is funding the challenge himself so that all donations go directly to the team.

He’s expected to arrive in Cornwall on Thursday, with updates on his progress shared via Instagram.