For the past year, together with his rehab care worker and using a "Green Prescription Fitness plan from Sport Wanganui, Mr Carswell had worked steadily towards his goal - to walk 2km in the HEHA around the bridges.
He started at the wharf by the Waimarie riverboat and pushed through to the finish line in Kowhai Park.
Mr Dingle said the intensive training had been a long, slow hard process but finishing the HEHA run yesterday had made it all worthwhile.
Dan had been training at the Splash Centre, walking up and down the hallways of the home, as well around and around the section, Mr Dingle said
Mrs Carswell said Mr Carswell had received great support.
One of the home's residents, Gareth Hunt, who suffered brain damage when he was just nine, said he was going to help his mate.
"I walked with him all the way."
During the walk Mr Carswell had sweated profusely and had held his walking frame with a fierce grip.
Every 10 or so steps he had to collapse on to the seat of the walker.
But a few second's rest, a wipe with a towel and he was off again.
When Mr Carswell came into view, long after most people had left the event, there was a handful of people there to cheer him on.
He pushed through that final metre and fell on the ground laughing because he'd done it.
"I did it ... I did it," he yelled.
