Serjeant George Pas served as a Reservist with 6th Battalion The Rifles for over 14 years, completing two operational tours of Afghanistan, and training exercises in Ukraine, America and Cyprus. An exemplary soldier, George rose through the ranks, earned a Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Commendation for Meritorious Voluntary Service and a Colonel in Chief’s commendation signed by HRH Prince Philip.
But in 2011, just before George was due to start his third tour of Afghanistan as a newly promoted Platoon Serjeant, disaster struck. He was involved in a serious road traffic accident whilst travelling on his motorbike and sustained catastrophic injuries, including breaking his back in eight places. He spent eight weeks in intensive and high dependency units, of which he has no recollection, George says it was “eight weeks of my life gone”. George was paralysed from the chest down and now relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
Despite the debilitating nature of his injuries and the effect they have had on George’s day-to-day life, his thirst for a challenge has never waned. Determined to still do as many outdoor activities as possible, in 2013, George approached the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) for help towards the costs of an all-terrain mobility aid. The ‘Overlander’ is an electrically powered, off-road mobility vehicle designed to tackle extreme outdoor surfaces: an ideal tool for an injured, but intrepid, former soldier.
George had already raised part of the £14,000 required towards the price of the Overlander through completing a number of challenges, including a sky dive and an abseil, before Service charities, including the ABF, stepped in to make up the difference.
George said: “The ABF gave me more than a piece of equipment; it gave me a part of my life back. It gave my children a part of their dad back that they had lost.”
Life before the Overlander meant that George would have to stay behind at home whilst his family went on outings, such was the extent of his limited mobility. The Overlander has enabled George to do things that simply would not be possible in a regular wheelchair: going into the forest, travelling through boggy fields and wading into the sea at near waist-depth.
Now, George is a dedicated Ambassador for the Army Benevolent Fund, helping to raise funds and awareness. An engaging speaker, George is also a regular attendee at the ABF events in the South West region. In 2026, George was an Ambassador for the Cateran Yomp, a national event attracting over 1000 walkers in the Perthshire hills walking up to 54 miles in 24 hours.
Speaking of the importance of raising funds for the charity, George said: “Just by putting a pound in the pot, you’re appreciating what soldiers have done, and making up a little bank for if they actually fall on hard times and they need help.”