Mobility made possible.
Momentum: James
“This Brace Changed Everything”: How James Hill Went From Injury to Ironman with Blatchford Momentum
When James Hill sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the legs while serving with the UK Special Forces, the trajectory of his life changed forever. Once a highly active operator trained for extreme endurance and tactical performance, James faced a future clouded with uncertainty and physical limitation. “I wasn’t sure how I’d ever get back to doing the things I loved or even just being the father I wanted to be,” he recalls. But thanks to Momentum, Blatchford’s high-performance orthotic brace, James has not only regained his mobility but also reclaimed his entire mindset.
Returning to strength after trauma
After his injuries, James was introduced to Blatchford through Headley Court, the UK’s former Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre. The journey to recovery was not quick, but over time, with the help of his clinician, Dominic Atta, James began to rediscover his strength. “I walked into that first appointment doubtful. I’d already tried different approaches, and I didn’t expect much. But Dominic listened. He understood my drive to stay active and never considered my ambitions unrealistic.” Dominic fitted James with Momentum, a lightweight, durable, and responsive orthotic brace for dynamic lifestyles and complex limb conditions. “It wasn’t just a brace,” James says. “It was a turning point.”
A brace built for action
What sets Momentum apart is how it empowers James to lead the active life he values at work, home, and beyond. “I train dogs professionally, so I’m constantly on the move. Momentum gives me the mobility to do my job, run my business, and stay active all day.” At home, the difference is just as powerful. “I can play with my daughter again. I’m not on the sidelines anymore, I’m in the middle of the action. That means everything to me.” Where previous options restricted his movement, Momentum gave James freedom without compromise.
“It wasn’t just a brace, it was a turning point.”
From dad duty to marathons (and beyond)
What James has accomplished since receiving Momentum is nothing short of remarkable. “I’ve run the London Marathon, competed in triathlons, and now I’m training for an Ironman 70.3. I’m not just walking again, I’m thriving.” His upcoming goals include: Setting a Guinness World Record by running or cycling the seven world marathons Solo cycling the Great Divide, a gruelling 2,400-mile ride across the U.S. Proving that limits are only mental “These aren’t just physical milestones,” James says. “They’re about showing what’s possible when you refuse to let your circumstances define you.”
The proper support changes everything.
James credits much of his success to his relationship with Dominic and the team at Blatchford. “I’ve never felt like just another patient. Dominic understood my ambitions and gave me the tools to chase them.” Blatchford’s clinician-patient collaboration, alongside Momentum's performance, gave James the confidence and freedom to go further than he thought possible.
James’s favourite feature?
“Freedom. Outdoors. That’s it.” Momentum gives James stability and support when terrain becomes unpredictable, whether during a run, a race, or a hike with his daughter. “It’s not just about mobility. It’s about living without hesitation.”
What’s next?
James’s journey is just beginning. With Momentum underfoot and bold goals on the horizon, he’s not just moving forward; he’s charging ahead. “This brace changed everything. I’m not just living, I’m challenging myself every single day. And I’m not done yet.” James’s story proves that there are no limits with the proper support, resilience, and technology. Momentum isn’t just a brace. It’s a launchpad for the life you want to live.
