Our client, Aaron Moon, is not short of ambition. As an amputee and ex-Royal Marine, he has set himself the challenge to cycle Route 66 over 22 days.
This is the latest chapter in his life in which he has overcome devastating injury, the loss of his Royal Marines identity, mental health struggles, and repeated near-death experiences.
[Photo of Aaron Moon]
Where it all began
In 2009, as a Royal Marine serving in Afghanistan, Aaron’s vehicle hit an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) during a routine supply run. Aaron suffered catastrophic injuries, including severe leg, back, pelvis, hip, stomach and internal injuries. He was flown back to the UK within 24 hours and spent around a month in an induced coma. During this time, doctors carried out numerous operations to save his limbs and, ultimately, his life.
Being a true fighter, Aaron thankfully survived his injuries. Although doctors initially tried to save his right leg, Aaron was still reliant on crutches, wheelchairs and pain medication a year later. So, when he was offered the choice to keep the leg as it was or have a below-knee amputation, he immediately chose amputation. At the time, he hoped a prosthetic might give him a chance to return to being a Royal Marine however, not long after the amputation, he received the letter saying he was no longer medically fit to serve.
Losing his military identity
Aaron felt losing his role was more difficult than the injuries themselves, explaining how he felt he was losing his identity and his purpose. Being in the Royal Marines was all Aaron knew at that point, having signed up when he was 17 and starting training at 18, he had never been an adult in civilian life. Aaron’s entire adult life was revolved around the Royal Marines and so that hit him the hardest.
At this point, Aaron struggled with his mental health and he entered a dark period of his life involving painkillers, alcohol and feelings of isolation. He felt his life was spiralling downwards without a purpose. Then one evening on a night out, Aaron realised something, with the help of his now-wife Donna.
He said:
“I might have lost my identity. I might have lost the uniform, but I’ve not lost the person I was. I’m still me inside, I’ve still got the principles and the characteristics of a Royal Marine. And at that point I started realising, it’s on me now, no one’s coming to save me. It’s me who makes choices in life.”
The turning point
With a new positive mentality, Aaron created his own philosophy “Reborn Mindset” which helped him move from survival mode into having a fresh purpose. Aaron built core principles around this attitude and now delivers powerful talks and workshops to a range of organisations. It is with this same mindset that will be tested when he takes to his bike to ride along Route 66.
The challenge itself
Having driven the famous American highway in a Mustang back in 2013 with his new wife on their honeymoon, Aaron thought he would revisit the memories, but this time challenge himself by cycling the route as an amputee.
Booking the flights deliberately close together, Aaron gave himself no choice but to finish, with around 22 days to complete the 2,517-mile bike ride. With just one RV driver, who is also a paramedic, plus a cameraman for company, Aaron explained he will take on the ride one mile at a time.
He imagines the toughest section will be the desert, where he expects extreme heat reaching around 46 degrees and long, mentally draining straight roads which seem never-ending.
Aaron said:
“The temperature will play a massive part, but then also that will be the toughest challenge on the mind, when you feel like you’re not actually moving, no matter how much hard work you put in.”
To demonstrate the firm’s support, Hugh James is sponsoring the charity bike ride after Simon Ellis, Partner in our military team, was inspired by one of Aaron’s talks.
Many of our clients face challenges similar to Aaron’s every day, and we understand the importance of supporting causes that remind others they are not alone. The military community has so much to offer, both during service and beyond, and we are proud to play a part in championing that message.
Simon Ellis, whose team acts for Aaron, said:
“Aaron’s commitment, determination and dedication are truly inspiring, and we’re delighted to be able to support him on this incredible challenge. We wish him the very best of luck with the ride and look forward to following his progress as he takes on this fantastic challenge and to celebrating his achievements along the way.”
[Photo of Aaron Moon and Head of Military, Simon Ellis]
Why take on such a challenge now?
After suffering a blood clot on his lungs and heart in January 2025, doctors didn’t think Aaron would make it through the night. Ever the fighter, later that year in October, Aaron was told he had two fully functioning lungs again. That experience made him want to test both his cardiovascular system and his life as an amputee. The bike ride became the next challenge because it is hard, visible, and relatable.
He said:
“The whole thing behind the ride is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I don’t look like a cyclist whatsoever. The ride is a personal test, but also a message to others. Everybody’s got their own Route 66. You don’t have to be cycling across America to challenge yourself.”
The challenge itself
Starting in Chicago, Aaron will cycle the 2,517 miles of Route 66, aiming to finish in Los Angeles 22 days later. With the desert heat and punishing roads, on just one leg, this is sure to be a physical, mental and emotional challenge. Filming the journey as they travel, Aaron hopes to make a documentary of the experience, with landmark pitstops to chat to those who he has inspired along the way.
Support from sponsors, like Hugh James, has helped Aaron get to where he is to enable the trip as well as raising money for the chosen charities, turning his physical pain to a bigger purpose.
Fundraising for charities
During his record-breaking bike ride, Aaron is raising money for four charities important to him which are Blesma, Team Forces, Wounded Warrier Project and Rock 2 Recovery.
As a limbless ex-serviceman, Blesma is important to Aaron as the charity provides support to limbless veterans to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives. Team Forces aims to improve the experience for the armed forces community through the power of sport, challenge and adventure, which embodies Aaron’s challenge.
Based in the USA, the Wounded Warrier Project supports veterans with their total well-being and connects to the fact Aaron is cycling across America in this challenge. Lastly, Rock 2 Recovery is especially close to his heart because of its mental health work with veterans, serving personnel and emergency services.
Aaron said:
“I know a lot of people who have been through their services, I’ve seen the amazing work they do. But I’ve lost more friends since Afghanistan than I lost in Afghanistan, due to mental health issues. I had to have them involved in some way because I think mental health is massive, especially with the ride I’m taking on, that is going to test my mental health resilience, so it’s a great partnership, if I can help them in any way.”
Life beyond Route 66: what’s next?
Route 66 is the first stage of a wider plan for Aaron as he wants to continue doing annual challenges to continue to set himself ambitious goals. Aaron hopes to eventually bring others along; people recovering from injury, veterans, or people who have lost confidence. He wants to encourage others to be part of that journey, and beyond.
He explained about helping people become part of a team, experience achievement firsthand, and then ask: “What can I do with my life now?” as his long-term purpose is to use his second chances to give others belief.
Aaron said:
“It’s brilliant making a load of money for charity and being able to tell my story and inspire other people, but what’s better than spending your life doing these amazing challenges as well? I get the experience from it and get to help other people in the process. So, in my head, it’s just a fabulous way to spend your life. Everybody’s got their own hurdles. They need to jump and see their own goals they need to get to. And if I can show my Route 66 to the world, hopefully it inspires people to be able to overcome their version.”
Return to the road
Aaron knows there will be days during the challenge when he doesn’t want to get back on the bike. There will be heat, pain, exhaustion and doubt. But his focus is simple, to keep moving, take it one mile at a time, and keep going until he reaches Los Angeles. For Aaron, Route 66 is not just a road across America. It is proof that whatever happens, there is always a way forward.
