Disability advocate and accessibility campaigner Nick Wilson — known widely as The Disabled Adventurer — has received the Special Recognition Award at the NNBN Awards 2025, celebrating his extraordinary contribution to accessibility and inclusion across Northamptonshire.
Nick, a former Army Sergeant who lives with chronic pain and PTSD following 14 years of military service, was recognised for his pioneering work through Access Outdoors CIC, which helps make the outdoors more accessible for disabled people.
“Being recognised in my home county means everything to me,” said Nick. “This is where I rebuilt my life after hitting rock bottom, where I found the healing power of nature and where Access Outdoors was born. Northamptonshire gave me hope when I had none.”
Through his award-winning advocacy, Nick has generated more than 15 million video views globally, encouraging disabled people to explore the outdoors while showing venues how authentic accessibility can also deliver commercial success.
His record-breaking achievements include becoming the first disabled person to complete 96km of the Ridgeway National Trail and the first to climb Snowdon solo using an all-terrain powerchair, developed in collaboration with Rock Engineering.
Access Outdoors CIC provides venues with professional video reviews highlighting accessibility improvements and showcasing inclusive facilities. The organisation’s partnerships with groups such as the National Trust have led to measurable increases in visitor confidence and bookings.
“This award represents more than personal recognition — it validates our mission to prove that accessibility investment isn’t just morally right, it’s commercially smart,” Nick said. “Northamptonshire businesses are leading the way in showing that when inclusion is done properly, everyone benefits.”
The recognition comes as Access Outdoors expands its national network of disabled content creators and advocates for policy reform to address barriers including inconsistent wheelchair provision and accessibility standards. Nick’s next challenge will see him testing inclusive technology in the Sahara Desert.
The NNBN Awards 2025, held on World Mental Health Day, were sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors, with headline sponsors West Northamptonshire Council, Square Feet, Poppy Eco Hub, and Pilkington Communications. The Special Recognition Award was sponsored by Wyke Financial.
For more information, visit linkedin.com/in/disabledadventurer.
