A Carlisle soldier injured in Afghanistan is aiming to set a new world record, when he joins the first disabled team in history to complete the notorious Grand Slam challenge.

Derek Spry - known as Del - was injured in Afghanistan in 2009, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blew up underneath the Jackal vehicle he was driving. The injuries ended his military career.

The 40-year-old, who lives in the city with his partner and daughter, is part of a team setting off next month to conquer the challenge,

The Adaptive Grand Slam (AGS) team will attempt to make it into the Guinness World Record books by summiting the highest peaks on each of the seven continents and walk unsupported to the geographic North and South Poles.

He will join the group for its latest expedition in January, as it takes on Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America.

This will be the team’s second attempt to summit the mountain, after being forced to abandon their initial climb due to severe weather conditions in December last year.

January’s expedition, which is being supported by wealth management company Quilter Cheviot, part of Old Mutual Wealth, will see the group reach the half way point in its ultimate Grand Slam goal of becoming the first disabled team in history to complete the challenge.

The AGS world record attempt will raise money for The Adaptive Grand Slam Foundation. The newly-formed charitable organisation will support a range of charities that provide positive and impactful support to members of the disabled community.

Del said: “I got involved with the Adaptive Grand Slam in 2016 through knowing the founder, Martin Hewitt, for a few years.

"After leaving the Army, I missed challenging myself and working with a team of like-minded people and over the last six months it has been a great focus and goal for me.

“January’s mission to summit Mount Aconcagua will take the team one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal and it is fantastic that our effort is being supported by Quilter Cheviot, whose backing is absolutely essential in ensuring that we can pursue our dream.”

The team, which is made up of disabled adventurers, professional mountaineers and expedition leaders, has already completed four missions, including the North Pole, Mount McKinley, Mount Elbrus and Mount Kilimanjaro.

David Loudon, chief executive at Quilter Cheviot, said: “The Adaptive Grand Slam is a remarkable charity. We wanted to be a part of its bid to make history and to help spread the message that having a disability does not prevent you from achieving incredible things.

“We understand just how gruelling these types of challenges can be and how much commitment they require and this is why we wanted to give our backing. We wish the team the very best of luck as it prepares to summit Mount Aconcagua.”