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assistive technology

How Simon Kindleysides Walked More Than 100 Miles in a Powered Exoskeleton

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Simon Kindleysides, a Norfolk man reported to have been paralysed from the waist down after a 2013 brain tumour, walked more than 100 miles during February 2021 in a powered exoskeleton. He set out to raise money for Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity. Reports put the completed distance at either 112 or 125 miles, and the charity later confirmed 224,000 steps and £14,000 raised.

Who is Simon Kindleysides?

Kindleysides is from Norfolk. ITV News reported that a brain tumour in 2013 left him paralysed from the waist down. Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity described his medical history as involving a brain tumour and functional neurological disorder. Those descriptions come from the reporting and charity materials; they are not a broader clinical assessment.

He had already completed the 2018 London Marathon with an exoskeleton. The Brain Tumour Charity identified that earlier device as a ReWalk exoskeleton. ITV reported that a later suit was purchased for him by an anonymous benefactor, but the sources do not establish the exact model used for the February 2021 challenge.

How did a paralyzed man walk 100 miles?

A powered exoskeleton is a wearable robotic frame that uses motors and control systems to help move the user’s legs. In Kindleysides’ challenge, the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity said he also used hand-held poles to maintain balance. The reports describe a personal, specially arranged suit—not a consumer product demonstration.

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The charity’s February 2, 2021 announcement set a target of four miles a day for February. It said the suit’s batteries allowed about four miles before recharging and that each four-mile walk took approximately three and a half hours. The reported battery range applies to this challenge and should not be generalized to every exoskeleton.

How far did he walk in the suit?

Published totals do not agree. Futurism reported that Kindleysides completed 112 miles. The National reported 125 miles, attributing that figure to Kindleysides, along with 81 hours and 32 minutes of total walking time. The available reports do not explain the difference.

Figure What it represents Reported by
Four miles Daily target and approximate distance before the suit needed recharging Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity, February 2021
112 miles Reported completed distance Futurism, 2021
125 miles Distance reported as Kindleysides’ account The National, 2021
81 hours, 32 minutes Reported total walking time The National, 2021
224,000 steps Charity’s later total for the challenge Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity, 2021

The charity’s later outcome report confirmed 8,000 steps per day and 224,000 steps over the month, but it did not publish a final mileage total. The safest description is therefore that he walked more than 100 miles, while identifying the 112-mile and 125-mile figures by source.

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  • Walking Support: Supports natural walking, eases knee and ankle pressure, boosts balance, gravity-powered pendulum system enables seamless, battery-free gait with energy-saving support
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  • Easy Application: Resize the structure length first, then secure with waist and knee straps, walk normally to get natural support via the pendulum system
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What charity did the walk support?

The challenge supported Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity, the fundraising arm associated with his local hospital. The charity later reported that the effort raised £14,000. It said the money would support the hospital’s Critical Care Unit and a planned children’s operating theatre project.

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Kindleysides told ITV News: “The NHS saved my life loads of times so I want to be able to give something else.” Asked how much the robotic suit had changed his life, he answered: “More than words can say.”

What happened during and after the challenge?

February 2, 2021: the challenge begins

The charity announced the four-mile-per-day goal, the approximately 8,000-step daily target and the estimated three-and-a-half-hour duration for each four-mile leg.

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February 8, 2021: national coverage

ITV News reported that Kindleysides was walking more than 100 miles in February to raise funds for his local hospital.

June 22, 2021: the charity reports the outcome

The charity reported £14,000 raised and 224,000 steps. It also said Kindleysides received recognition in its Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year category. Louise Cook, the charity’s Head of Fundraising, said: “We are absolutely delighted for Simon winning this award in recognition of everything he has done to raise money for the charity.”

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What exoskeleton did Simon Kindleysides use?

The 2018 London Marathon suit was identified by The Brain Tumour Charity as a ReWalk exoskeleton. That does not confirm that the same model was used in 2021. The reports covering the February challenge do not name the 2021 suit’s manufacturer or model, and they do not establish a reader-accessible purchase route.

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  • LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON FIBER CONSTRUCTION: Crafted from a premium blend of PA (nylon), aluminum alloy, and carbon fiber, this leg exoskeleton offers optimal support and high mechanical strength. Weighing only 1.05 kg, it remains exceptionally lightweight and comfortable to wear, providing stability without adding a significant burden to your daily activities.
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What this story does—and does not—show about exoskeletons

Kindleysides’ walk demonstrates what a powered exoskeleton enabled one user to accomplish with extensive effort, balance support, battery recharging and a planned fundraising schedule. It does not establish a typical walking speed, range, price, medical suitability or availability for other users.

Anyone considering an assistive exoskeleton would need an assessment appropriate to their condition, training and supervision, and a device intended for the setting in which it would be used. The reports about this event do not provide clinical guidance or a general specification for exoskeletons.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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