Billy Baxter served with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in Bosnia. Whilst serving in 1997, he lost his sight after contracting a rare disease. On August 2, 2003, he set the blind solo world land speed record on a motorbike with a speed of 164.87 mph (265.33 km/h). In 2007 he completed a Blind Solo Lap of Donington Park. "My biggest challenge yet, I rode my Ducati Monster around the hallowed circuit of Donington, the home of motorcycle racing, raising awareness for Vista, a charity helping blind people in the Midlands, an amazing experience and great fun."