Marjon students help veteran achieve Guinness World Record

Released: 02.12.24

Students from Plymouth Marjon University proudly supported Lexi Chambers, a military veteran, as she embarked on an extraordinary Guinness World Record attempt. Lexi completed 35 marathons in 35 days — in a standard, non-adapted wheelchair — travelling from John O’Groats, one of Scotland’s most northern points, to Land's End in Cornwall.

Lexi’s 800+ mile journey began in August, which saw her tackle steep inclines and challenging weather, all whilst raising awareness and funds for the Aaron Lewis Foundation, a charity that has played a key role in supporting her. In addition to this mammoth challenge, Lexi worked to promote women’s rugby by conducting ball transfers between clubs throughout the UK.

As a veteran who lost her leg and now lives with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) following her military service, Lexi's unprecedented challenge symbolised true endurance and determination. The incredible feat marks the first time that such an attempt has been made in a wheelchair, putting the importance of inclusivity in sport firmly in the spotlight. This ultimate endurance test ended with Lexi achieving a Guinness World Record for fastest journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End by wheelchair (female).

Students from Plymouth Marjon University’s BSc Sports Therapy programme, Libby Hill and Molly Butterworth, played an integral role in supporting Lexi’s mission. The team provided Lexi with essential daily massage therapy, including taping, to aid in her recovery and injury prevention.

Vicki Evans, lecturer in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation and staff member supervising the students, said:

“We are extremely proud to be supporting Lexi as she takes on this monumental challenge. We followed her from Exeter to Land’s End and provided massage, stretching and nutritional support to keep her moving. It was an excellent opportunity for our students to support an athlete in an event setting.”

Libby Hill, one of the supporting students, added:

“It was a great opportunity to support my learning. I got to work with different people, put my theory into practice in a new and changing environment, and experience working out of the clinic.”

The Sports Therapy degree at Marjon trains students to become professional Sports Therapists to prevent and treat injuries in high-demand roles. Accredited by the Sports Therapy Organisation, the degree comprises enriching theoretical and evidence-based study, blended with practical application in the University’s first-class Marjon Sport & Health Centre, alongside a minimum of 400 clinical hours of hands-on experience at Plymouth Marjon’s on-site public clinic.

The Marjon Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Clinic prides itself on offering a wide range of services to support the rehabilitation and performance of athletes at every level, as well as members of the community. With specialist equipment and a tailored approach to injury prevention and recovery, students and graduates are committed to helping individuals regain their strength, mobility, and flexibility.

Whether supporting high-level athletes or those recovering from daily injuries, the Clinic ensures a personalised rehabilitation plan for each client. Marjon students, like Libby and Molly, are supervised by qualified professionals to deliver important therapies to enhance their learning.

Read more about Lexi’s journey and donate to her fundraiser here.

Find more information about the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy degree at Marjon here, or discover how the Marjon Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Clinic could help you here.