Northamptonshire’s disabled adventurer launches 50at50 to leave legacy of outdoor access

Nick Wilson, a disabled war veteran and wheelchair user, announced the campaign while speaking at the National Outdoor Expo on Saturday March 21. He said 50at50 is built around a simple idea: adventure should not end at inspiration. Instead, the campaign aims to leave practical access behind by donating all-terrain powerchairs to outdoor sites, alongside training and support so the equipment can be used safely and consistently.

Crucially for Northamptonshire, Nick confirmed that two of the donated all-terrain powerchairs are planned for West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire, with Delapre Abbey and Stanwick Lakes selected as the local sites that will receive and make use of the chairs.

“Too many adventures end at inspiration,” said Nick. “50at50 is about building the kit, the capability and the pathway so disabled people and wounded veterans can go further than ever thought possible, not just watch someone else do it.”

The campaign name reflects both the timing and the ambition. In the year Nick turns 50, on 14 July, he will complete 50km sections of trails across the UK and internationally, including planned legs in the United States, Austria and Dubai. The 50km distance has been chosen as a benchmark for what could become realistically achievable off-road with the right equipment and improved battery technology.

Nick is fundraising £150,000 to fund and deliver up to eight all-terrain powerchairs to outdoor charities, alongside training and support to ensure the chairs are used safely, confidently and consistently. In addition to the local Northamptonshire placements at Delapre Abbey and Stanwick Lakes, confirmed recipients include Calvert Devon and National Trust regions in the Midlands, East of England and the Lake District.

The UK leg will see Wilson complete 50km sections of the King Charles III coastal trail along the south east, south west and east of England coastlines, starting in April.

The campaign also has a strong innovation focus. Nick says 50at50 will help push the mobility sector towards multi-day adaptive all-terrain expeditions by supporting battery innovation and the application of EV technology, including rapid charging that could make longer distances practical.

Richard Clinton, CEO of Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust, said: “At Delapré we believe everyone should be able to experience the wellbeing that comes from spending time in nature and heritage spaces. Nick’s 50at50 campaign is inspiring not simply because of the challenge itself, but because it focuses on creating lasting access. By placing all-terrain powerchairs in real locations, it removes barriers that too many people face and opens up landscapes that should belong to everyone. We’re proud to support Nick’s mission and help ensure more people can explore the outdoors with confidence.”

Billie Passchier, Trust Director at Rockingham Forest Trust, said: “Stanwick Lakes is incredibly grateful and excited to be a recipient of an all-terrain powerchair through the Disabled Adventurer’s 50at50 campaign. This will make a real difference to our visitors, enabling more people to explore our paths, wildlife and heritage spaces in a way that simply hasn’t been possible before. We’re particularly excited about the independence this creates—giving individuals and families the confidence to experience the outdoors together. It’s a powerful step towards making Stanwick Lakes a place that can be enjoyed more fully by everyone, and we’re proud to be part of a campaign that delivers such meaningful, lasting impact.”

Nick Morrall, co-founder of Adaptive Expeditions, said: “Adaptive Expeditions are incredibly proud to be supporting Nick Wilson on the 50at50 campaign, a project that goes far beyond adventure and focuses on creating lasting, meaningful access to the outdoors. Nick’s vision aligns closely with our own, breaking down barriers, challenging perceptions, and ensuring that adventure is something everyone can access, not just aspire to. We’re particularly excited to be part of the Austria leg, where innovation, lived experience and exploration come together to push the boundaries of what inclusive expeditions can look like. This isn’t just a challenge. It’s a legacy in the making, and we’re honored to play a role in helping shape it.”

Nick is encouraging people to join them on the journey and keen for the challenge to be a community driven one. He and his team have live streams planned whilst travelling along the trails, including when abroad, and his route will also be mapped so others can follow in his wheels. Everything will be centrally located on a new website Nick is personally investing in, to ensure no one feels left behind. For more information on the challenge, business sponsorship and to donate visit – www.disabledadventurer.com