A Catterick Garrison veteran has emerged World’s Strongest Disabled Man title 11 years after he lost the use of his arm while serving in Afghanistan.
38-year-old, Mark Tonner took part in the contest in Iceland and broke the world record by lifting 280kg (44 stone) with one arm. He was injured in an explosion on a tour of Afghanistan.
He became angry and frustrated – the result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) triggered by the blast — but turned his life around after attending Help for Heroes’ Catterick recovery centre.
Mark said weightlifting was “like therapy” as it has helped him recover from PTSD after the explosion.
In 2020, he claimed victory as World’s Strongest Disabled Man Standing Category 2 when the contest was held online.
He defended the title at the weekend in the contest in Iceland.