Lucinda Kennedy
28 May, 2025
Sport

Amputee athlete takes on epic challenge to fund world cup dream

Leeds-based amputee athlete Nick Kennedy is preparing to take on an extraordinary solo endurance challenge by cycling over 650 miles across England, climbing Scafell Pike, and swimming Lake Windermere to raise funds for the England Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team.

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His ‘TRi/Y for England’ challenge kicks off on 7 June in Berwick-upon-Tweed, with stops planned in the Lake District and at the Rugby Football League headquarters in Manchester, before finishing at Lizard Point in Cornwall.

 

 “I came up with the idea after cycling from Castleford to Wembley a few years ago,” says Nick.

Disabled rugby player Nick Kennedy prepares for his extraordinary solo endurance challenge
Disabled rugby player Nick Kennedy prepares for his extraordinary solo endurance challenge Credit: Myself (Lucinda Kennedy

 “The idea is TRI, like triathlon, and TRY, like rugby.”

 

 Nick hopes to raise at least £2,500 towards the England PDRL team’s campaign for the 2026 World Cup in Australia.

Nick Kennedy ready to set off on a training cycle ahead of his TRi/Y for England challenge
Nick Kennedy ready to set off on a training cycle ahead of his TRi/Y for England challenge Credit: Lucinda Kennedy

PDRL is an adapted version of Rugby League for players with a range of physical disabilities. After losing his right arm in a traffic accident, Nick discovered the sport in 2018 and says it transformed his life:

 

 “It’s given me the chance to play competitive sport again and to represent my country a dream I never thought would come true. It’s also helped me through some of the toughest times in my life.”

Nick Kennedy after a swim training ahead of his TRi/Y for England challenge
Nick Kennedy after a swim training ahead of his TRi/Y for England challenge Credit: Lucinda Kennedy

 

 The England squad made history by winning the inaugural PDRL World Cup in 2022, defeating Australia, New Zealand, and Wales. But defending their title next year comes with a price tag.

 “Last time, players had to contribute to their own travel and camp costs. And Australia’s a bit further than Warrington…” Nick jokingly expressed.

Nick Kennedy training for the swim portion of his TRi/Y for England challenge
Nick Kennedy training for the swim portion of his TRi/Y for England challenge Credit: Lucinda Kennedy

“Disabled people already face so many barriers in sport. I want to help make sure that no one has to give up their place in the squad because they can’t afford to go.”

Nick is self-funding the TRi/Y challenge, meaning 100% of donations go directly to the team.

 

Nick Kennedy walking onto the pitch with England teammates ready to take on Australia in the first game of the 2022 PDRL World Cup
Nick Kennedy walking onto the pitch with England teammates ready to take on Australia in the first game of the 2022 PDRL World Cup Credit: Joe Richardson

 Despite months of training, the journey hasn’t been without setbacks:

 

 “Changing a tyre one-handed is a challenge in itself but I make it work. My prosthetic arm has broken more than once, but having a physical disability teaches you to be a great problem solver. I’m always ready with plenty of gaffer tape.”

Nick Kennedy holding up the World Cup trophy after England's historic win in the inaugural PDRL World Cup (2022)
Nick Kennedy holding up the World Cup trophy after England's historic win in the inaugural PDRL World Cup (2022) Credit: Ash Allen

Nick plans to complete the challenge in just 12 days. But will it earn him a place in the England squad?

 

 “I’ll still have to earn my shirt like everyone else. But no matter what happens, I’ll do everything I can to support the team.”

 

 Supporters can follow Nick’s journey on Instagram at @Who_Needs_Two_Arms, and contribute via JustGiving: justgiving.com/page/tri-y-for-england