Fight through - Autumn Edition 2015 by Education for the Military Ltd

FIGHT THROUGH AUTUMN EDITION 2015

M A G

www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

HEARING

PTSD

LOSS

THE TINNITUS CLINIC

Q&A INSURANCE:

YOUR HOLIDAY

CHECKLIST 5 TOP TIPS

SICK BAY

MISSION MOTORSPORT

S o l i c i t o r s

L i m i t e d

Kenevo

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CONTENTS

>Contents FEATURES

Gripping Aids - Giving You the Independence to Live the life you want.

06-08

Fisher House (P7)

> Mission motorsport

28-31

> OCF / ENGLAND Golf

The Forces’ Motorsport Charity - Race I Retrain I Recover Getting Back On Course / This Girl Can with Get into Golf

32&34 > mission motorsport

James McGill / Steve McCulley

Active Hands gripping aids were created to enable those with limited hand function to achieve sporting and fitness success. Our products enable you to firmly hold items in your hand allowing independence and the confidence to use weights and gym equipment that would otherwise be impossible.

Injured Soldier Gets a Grip In 2008 Michael Lewis was serving as a section Commander in the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment when he was involved in a blast while under heavy fire. Extensive damage was done to his left arm and right leg. Michael has had to adjust to his new life with limited hand function. Before his injury he regularly undertook training and weight-lifting.

> BRAIN injury

The Headway Forces Support Group

38-40

> sick bay

42-43

> BACK & LEG PAIN

44-45

> PTSD - Q & A

48-50

> Motability

Colin Murphy - MM (P40) Archery GB & Help for Heroes Simon Brodie - Circle of Trust Getting Mobile with Motability

52-53 > hearing loss

The Tinnitus Clinic

M A G

> NEWS

10-12 21-23

FIGHT THROUGH

> insurance

Your Holiday Checklist

56-57 > law

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

58 > life management 60-61 > travel

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Mission Motorsport, WWTW, SSAFA, Blesma, Fish Insurance, Pace Rehabilitation, Rodge Nash, ABF, Insurance Choice, Hilary Meredith Solicitors, Fisher House, Danny Buckland, Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, Walks with Hawks, Tony Boyd, OCF, England Golf, Ottobock, Headway, Archery GB, Simon Brodie, Felix Fund, Motability, The Tinnitus Clinic, Mike Newman, VisitEngland, The Douglas Bader Foundation & all advertisers. IMAGES BY: Professionalimages, ABF/Andy Garthwaite (Front Cover) & thanks to all other image contributors. PUBLISHED BY: © Education for the Military Ltd FOLLOW US: @educationmat @fighthroughmag

He was introduced to Active Hands gripping aids in 2009 when he was at Headly Court.

> CONTACT US:

“I was amazed that something so simple could be so effective. It gave me the ability to grip as well as having the confidence to hold a dumbbell above my head and even do pull ups when before my fingers would slip off the pull up bar.”

ADDRESS: Education for the Military Ltd, Arrow Business Centre, 14 Foyle Street, Sunderland, SR1 1LE

Active Hands gripping aids have allowed Michael to continue training at the level he reached before his injury. What improvement could you make to your lifestyle with an Active Hands gripping aid?

ADVERTISING:

www.activehands.com

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TELEPHONE: 0191 691 1958 EDITOR:

Joanne Nattress: joanne@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk Kris Bhudoye: kris@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk Scott Henderson: scott@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

DESIGN: CS Design - chris@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk © Education for the Military Ltd 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher and although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, the publishers take no responsibility for errors and omissions. No responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for any claims made by the advertisers in this publication.

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NEWS

The White Report > WRITTEN By: DANNY BUCKLAND

Seafaring Charity Scales New Fundraising Heights

ocal seafaring charity, The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, has reached its fundraising target to raise £4,000 for Seafarers UK, by participating in the national charity’s 24 Peaks Challenge in July. The team of six Royal Alfred staff trained on Box Hill, the summit of the North Downs in preparation for the 50 mile course, which covered 24 peaks, all over 2,400 feet, in just a 24 hour period. The challenge took place in the Lake District over the weekend of the 11 and 12 July and the course included Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society was one of twenty teams to participate in the event and their goal was to raise as much money as possible to ensure that Seafarers UK can continue to provide essential grants to those in need across the whole of the maritime sector. Funds raised will also contribute to campaigns designed to raise awareness of the important role that seafarers play in UK society. Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society Chief Executive, Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, said: “We are so proud of all that the team

has achieved. It was a gruelling challenge but the valued members of staff who took part understand first-hand the difference funds raised can make for those in need. “We are very thankful to everyone who has donated and helped us to reach our target. The money raised means many seafaring organisations will be able to continue to provide security and support for seafarers and their dependants for many years to come.” The Royal Alfred Seafarer’s Society offers a full range of care, particularly to elderly, infirm or disabled former seafarers from across the UK, providing them with comfortable and safe accommodation, including specialist dementia care. Organisations such as Seafarers UK allow the maintenance of such services.

To find out more on the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society please visit the website: www. royalalfredseafarers. co.uk and follow and like the official Twitter (@RAseafarers) and Facebook pages.

06 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

major investigation into the care of Britain’s amputee war veterans has called for a radical re-structuring of health services. Service veterans who have suffered terrible injuries while on duty are experiencing variable standards of care which are hampering recoveries and adding a needless burden on the NHS. The White Report - the most detailed study of how the nation’s 160 operationally most complex wounded men are treated - found failings across the NHS and called for a fresh approach to their care. The report was commissioned by Blesma, the limbless veterans’ charity, and compiled by former Royal Marines Captain Jon White, who was injured by an IED while serving on Operation HERRICK 12 in Afghanistan in 2010. He lost both legs above the knee and his right arm at his elbow. He interviewed fellow veterans, clinicians and administrators to discover patchy provision of medical facilities and support networks. “These are young, fit, determined former forces personnel with huge potential for society yet they can experience daily frustration, delay and complications on a needlessly lengthy medical journey. The aim of the report is to help the government create the conditions to allow the potential of our injured service personnel to shine.” It signposts the route to better, more lasting therapy, freedom of choice and can even save funds for the NHS and the country, he added. Barry Le Grys, Chief Executive of Blesma, which has been instrumental in the welfare of amputee veterans for a century, said: “Jon White is uniquely placed to examine and assess services. His report is deeply significant and deserves thorough attention so we properly support people who have sacrificed so much for their country. “We have been concerned for some time that NHS services were patchy and that veterans had, at times, a tough job navigating their way through the system with the delays and frustrations adding to the difficult physical and psychological task of rehabilitation. “This is the first report of its kind because it gets to the root of the problems and tells some harsh truths about how we are dealing with veterans. There is much that is good in the NHS but improvements can be made and The White Report shows how we can develop a treatment programme that is fit for veterans and civilians alike.” Establishing the recommendations of the Murrison Report published in 2011, which led to nine regional centres of excellence for prosthetic services funded by a £6.7 million government grant helped, but White believes combining their services with the expertise offered by the Hanger company in Oklahoma, US, can elevate results and make the UK a world leader in prosthetic care. “My recommendations will help veterans return to independence as wage earners, tax payers and to raise families, released from the psychological and physical burden of sub-optimal care,” added White. The White Report, has been delivered to government and health service chiefs.

NEWS

Fisher House: Supporting families of military personnel in their time of need

or families with loved ones in the military, the thought of hearing bad news will never be far from their minds. For the times when families are given bad news, Fisher House provides a physical and emotional refuge. Opened on the 21st June 2013 by HRH The Prince of Wales, Fisher House has since provided 4,000 nights of accommodation every year for families of UK military personal receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. Fisher House is an 18 bedroom property build in the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Fisher House is a home, where families can have the time they need to acclimatise to their situations in a stressfree, ‘home away from home’ environment. When Staff Sergeant Stuart ‘Archie’ Gemmell lost his leg in an explosion in Helmand Province, his wife Kelly and their three daughters found sanctuary in the positive atmosphere of Fisher House, staying for the full eight weeks of Stuart’s treatment. ‘We were just cushioned – that’s what it felt like – someone just put us in a big bubble and just protected us.

As great as the hospital and the staff are – that’s the upsetting place for me. I don’t associate bad memories of that time with Fisher House, only good.’ – Kelly Gemmell Fisher House not only supports families of servicemen and women injured in conflict, but gives support whenever a member of the UK military requires treatment at the QEHB, some examples being if they need to return to the hospital for additional treatment for their injuries, or have illnesses such as cancer. Squadron Leader Andy Shenton’s family stayed for nearly eight weeks at Fisher House while Andy, a member of the Royal Air Force for over 26 years, went through surgery to remove a life-threatening malignant brain tumour. Fisher House was a godsend for Andy’s wife and two children, who lived over one hundred miles away from the hospital. ‘…the unstinting support from both the staff and fellow residents, who are often going through similar ordeals, was priceless.’ – Andy Shenton With families staying for periods of between several nights to even eighteen months the staff of Fisher House, made up of paid employees and volunteers, are

on call 24/7 to make the house have as much of a communitytype atmosphere as possible. With a cinema room and large kitchen referred to as the ‘hub of the house’, patients can join their families – if their health permits it – for meals or, more importantly, to watch some Sky Sports with other military personnel. ‘The support that you get from the team at Fisher House is phenomenal…they are there to listen to you… it’s like having an extended family.’ – Kerry Ford Receiving no funding from the NHS or MoD, Fisher House relies entirely upon donations, with original large donations from Help for Heroes and the Fisher House Foundation in the US. The running costs are met by donations from a wide range of QEHB Charity supporters and military charities, including Help for Heroes and SSAFA. There is also a “Friends of Fisher House” Scheme, where people donate £2 per month – which builds up enough over a year to cover the cost of a family to stay in Fisher House for a night. Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising for QEHB Charity, said “Since the withdraw from Afghanistan we have not seen a drop in the number of families staying at

Fisher House, our need as a charity to continue fundraising and getting the word out about Fisher House to military families and UK military personnel continues”.

> The multitude of thank you cards, as well as general comments, shows just how much Fisher House means to the families that stay there. Regardless of whether the guests that come through the doors are 1 month old or 94 years old, the staff of Fisher House endeavour to give a stable, comfortable, and happy ‘home-life’ at what is a very unstable time for the families.

NEWS

Hawking FOR HEROES

ur names are Phil and Clare Lott, we run a small falconry business called “Walks With Hawks”. We take small groups out on falconry experiences, and also run falconry experiences at Center Parcs at Longleat in Wiltshire. We have been running this business since 2001. Phil is ex-army having served in the RCT in the 1980’s (He is now an ill health retired firefighter after serving over 10 years) and their son Jonathan is serving presently in the Reme. So the Military has always been close to our hearts. A few weeks ago a gentleman called John Banks, who had

been bought a voucher for his birthday for one of our Falconry experiences, called us to book his experience in. Whilst talking he wanted to know if he could add his son to the voucher and bring him along and what the cost would be. After a brief discussion on the cost John asked how much walking etc. was involved as his son was a little limited especially over rough ground. After a few more questions from us it transpired that this young man had actually been a victim of an I.E.D. in Afghanistan and had unfortunately lost both his legs. Straight away we said there will definitely be NO charge for taking him out and that we would do our best to change the experience to suit his needs. So we arranged to meet Garth and John Banks. Well we have to

08 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

say what a total inspiration and totally amazing guy he is, and of course one of this countries TRUE HEROES. We spent about two hours out on farm land where we went for a walk flying one of our Harris Hawks “Sid”. They then flew some more birds to experience just a little of what we do on a daily basis. At the end of our time with Garth and John we were just absolutely amazed, inspired, and humbled by what a lovely family these people were but also just how much Garth had given for our Country. So this got us thinking and we thought that this would be an amazing thing to offer to veterans (for free) who are physically and mentally injured in the line of duty. Animal therapy is an amazing thing and used on a regular basis in care homes and other places (something we also participate in) and if it gives these heroes just a couple of hours away from what life has thrown at them then we would be honored to help them! We then posted this on our Facebook page and the post went absolutely manic!! We could not believe the response it had. So far to date that one post has reached nearly 136,000 people, and has been shared 1,172 times!! Messages flew in thanking us for what we had done and were offering. BUT this was not about us this was about our countries heroes.Then other falconers and falconry centers started to contact us offering to help if they could as well! So “Hawking for Heroes” Was launched! Again the response has been amazing. Since launching the page we have once again been receiving more and more offers for help and are now trying to co-ordinate at least one contact in every county in the UK.

“

... if it gives these heroes just a couple of hours away from what life has thrown at them then we would be honored to help them! "

To date we have contacts in: Avon, Devon, Essex, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Scotland, Somerset, Yorkshire, Isle of Wigh.t This is growing daily and we are posting them up on our Facebook page as we make contact with new falconers. So if you know of someone who would benefit from a few hours of “escapism” then initially contact us via message through our Facebook page “Hawking for Heroes” or by calling Phil or Clare on 01452 5374200.

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MISSION MOTORSPORT

> SAC Gareth Lloyd

being presented to HRH Princess Anne, Patron of the City and Guilds, on her recent visit to Tedworth House.

SAC - GARETH LLOYD: A FUTURE AFTER SERVICE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

enior Aircraftsman Gareth Lloyd has been on a Defence Recovery Placement with The Forces’ Motorsport Charity Mission Motorsport for the last nine months. Gareth is due to be medically discharged and, like many leaving the services, was faced with the difficult decision of what his new career path should be. After more than 20 operations on his legs Gareth is unable to continue his military service and so his RAF Welfare Officer, Flt Lt Ali Harding, based at Brize Norton, had recently heard about the charity and suggested he make a visit. “Since his very first visit his contribution has been outstanding”, said CEO and founder of Mission Motorsport, James Cameron. An amateur mechanic, Gareth he threw himself into all aspects of helping repair and maintain the charity’s fleet of race and track cars, stunt cars and domestic fleet. What remained unclear however, at least in the early days was what Gareth would do following discharge, carpentry still in the back of his mind. As he attended and became progressively more involved with the charity, including being an integral part of the race

team for the inaugural Race of Remembrance in November 2014 he showed a flair and genuine interest in mechanics and all things automotive. This interest led to a work placement , organised by the charity, with the most prosperous motor manufacturer in the UK at present, Jaguar Landrover, in their prototype development department. He admits openly that he never believed a career in engineering was possible but he has made fantastic progress and he was in the right place at the right time as the still young charity developed its pilot NVQ Level 3 training programme. He provided an excellent trial pupil and is now well on his way to achieving his City and Guilds accredited NVQ Level 3 in light vehicle maintenance and repair. Jaguar Landrover meanwhile invited him back for a further placement. However, following an equally stimulating visit to classic car centre of excellence on the site of the former RAF Bicester, Bicester Heritage, Gareth has also been offered the opportunity to embark upon a funded three year apprenticeship in classic vehicle restoration working with Classic Performance Engineering and Bicester College and it’s this route Gareth intends to follow.

10 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Gareth’s own words: I would like to take the chance to say a huge thank you to a few people who have helped me turn my life around and get back to the person I used to be. The first person I owe so much to is Flt Lt Ali Harding. Ali is my Welfare Officer and she has helped build my confidence back up, been there to support me in hospital and provide guidance. I can always count on Ali in my times of need. She has gone above and beyond her job role to help me and provide sme amazing opportunities. The next people are part of a unbelievable charity called Mission Motorsport Motorsport. The team have provide fun, education and unbeatable experiences. James Cameron has never let me turn from the path I want, believed in me and stopped me from working too hard. Adam MarchantWincott (MM Career Manager) has helped show me how much is out there and that my injuries don’t need to stop me getting where I want to be, only I will do that. Ralph Hosier (MM Training Manager) has provided me with opportunity to learn a trade I have always wanted to learn. James Webley (MM workshop manager)and Tony Compson (MM Race Team Chief) have helped show me what I can achieve, supported me through rough times and taught me some valuable skills. All of these people have transformed me from the broken person I was 2 years ago. And thanks to all of them I am on track to an amazing life. I cannot thank you all enough. Sorry for long status and there are many more people I wish I had space to thank (you all know who you are) but I think I’ve run on enough.

MISSION MOTORSPORT

David Birrell

’m David Birrell, also known as “the flying Scotsman” “Davie no legs” and I’m sure some people have another name for people like me ... I’d like to think I am an inspiration to anyone who is struggling or struggled with the loss of limbs or any illness or disability in their life, I want to show people that anything is possible and you really can take your limits above and beyond. My story is one to tell and without being too much of a security risk. I was injured on patrol in Afghanistan In 2010 whilst serving with 1SCOTs RRS, I have served a number of operational tours and also was In the BLACKWATCH at the beginning of my career From a young age I loved to ride drive run and generally do anything for an adrenaline rush. Upon joining the military from school, and as infantry soldier, I

was dedicated and hardworking and the army was absolutely my life, I boxed at light welter weight for regiment for two years and was also looking to take this career a lot further after my return for the upcoming tour to Afghanistan, however, this never happened! After being blown from the ground by and IED Blast into the air I sustained traumatic injuries to my whole body, I spent months in hospital feeling sorry for myself and giving up on everything, my relationship my career my children. The worst day of my life was waking up after being in a coma for nearly two weeks and noticing that the decision had been made to remove my left leg below my knee. I was shocked and couldn’t see a way out. My family, friends and loved ones did all they could but I was in a dark place. As I was coming to terms with the loss of my limb my right leg started to fail me and slowly die. I was continuously

getting infections, spending weeks at a time in hospital whilst Zoie was home pregnant, alone, and tending to my care and needs. This was leaving me in the most excruciating pain both mentally and physically. Two months before my daughter was due to be born, the medical officer took the decision to amputee my right leg. Again I could not see any future for myself. Later in 2011 I was a father of 3 beautiful children, watching them grow, Anthony 8 Lennon 6 and Talula who is now 2, I was gaining more confidence and slowly gathering my thoughts and dealing with the trauma Then ... The racing started .... The first time I managed to get into my car and use it manually with no hand controls was one of the best moments, I self-taught myself to use the pedals with my prosthetics, things were going to change.. Zoie, researched some charity’s and organisations who work with service men suffering injuries and PTSD I then joined Kartforce and started doing a bit of karting, I was getting podium finishes and people where WOW’d by what I was able to achieve, I meet some great lads and this really made me feel like I was on my feet again I then entered the WANT TO RACE competitions finishing in the top 8 out of 300 with no specially adapted vehicles. I wanted to be treated and drive as everyone else, Ginetta then came to me after the series, they were so impressed by me that they offered to pay for my ARDS test.. I now hold a NATIONAL B race licence. I have entered a few other races and been asked to charity events Later in the year I joined Mission Motorsport who have helped me and tutored me and put me onto the right path and the right people, they have shown me how to be a better person not just how to be a better driver. Also I put myself out there for potentials sponsors, more than anything I want to race a full season in the GT3 and British touring cars.. Maybe I’m aiming to high, but I’ve realised ANYTHING is possible and you only live once.

“

Then ... The racing started .... The first time I managed to get into my car and use it manually with no hand controls was one of the best moments, I self-taught myself to use the pedals with my prosthetics, things were going to change.. "

MISSION MOTORSPORT

MichAEl Courts

> Michael Courts at the race track (above images) , Michael proudly taking his first podium, finishing 3rd at Knockhill (right) he also finished 2nd at Donnington in that season

12 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

served with the Black Watch for 8 years serving 2 tours of Afghanistan; I was blown up in an IED strike on my 1st tour in 2009 and suffered from PTSD. After intensive CPN treatment I was redeployed in 2011 however, I was unluckily injured damaging my spine and nerves down my right leg. Shortly after this time I had an accident where I put my tibia through my left knee. I was finally discharged from service in 2013 however; I’m still undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for both physical and mental injuries. It was in 2013 that I began to race competitively in endurance go karting, gaining the basic skills to progress in 2014 to cars by competing in the Scottish BMW Compact Cup. It was around this time I began to engage with Mission Motorsport which, began initially with coaching which quickly seen me full time as part of the family. In 2015 we continued to build on the progress Mission Motorsport had made with me as a driver, both on and off the track, this got me back in the Scottish BMW Compact Cup, however this time with the 2014 championship winning car acquired by Mission Motorsport. As the season continued we had gone from strength to strength, seeing us reach the final round of the season in 4th overall and 2nd in the newcomers championship firmly within our grasp. On top of what has already been a monumental season, which has seen me take my first podiums, finishing 3rd at Knockhill and 2nd at Donnington, I was awarded an SMRC Rising Star, meaning I’m one of the top current up and coming drivers in Scotland. I have also broke the track record for the most places gained in a single make championship race, gaining 19 places in just 12 laps. Mission Motorsport has provided the foundation to what has the potential to be a successful career in motorsport as a driver, but more than this, Mission Motorsport has supported me

through my lows whilst battling PTSD and celebrated with me during my highs, such as when the charity helped me obtain my ARDS Instructor licence, which I now use to instruct part time at Knockhill, but more than all of this Mission Motorsport has become family with the same military comradery that I missed from my time served. I dream of continuing to become a professional driver where I can drive full time to make my money, however realistically my goal is to simply try and progress up the Motorsport ladder as far as my ability and sponsor gaining abilities will take me, and enjoy the journey on the way.

“

Mission Motorsport has provided the foundation to what has the potential to be successful career in motorsport as a driver but more than this Mission has supported me through my lows whilst battling PTSD ... "

BLESMA

Activities Programme:

ne of the main aspects of Blesma is the Members’ Activities Programme. The programme offers Members the opportunity to take on a new challenge, or practice one they are already good at in an environment where they are comfortable and with like-minded people. Blesma activities cater for every level and ability throughout the course of the year, from beginner to serious adventurer. There’s something on offer for every age group and all interests too. Popular activities include various cycling events in the UK and abroad, winter sports, skydiving, scuba-diving, adventure training, photography, fishing, sailing and painting. Blesma also run an Activities Week every year which provides Members with an opportunity to try out different pursuits such as abseiling, go-karting and clay-pigeon shooting. Artistic pursuits such as painting and photography are also becoming increasingly popular, and so we are offering more of them.All the activities are completely free, Members just need to pay for their transport to and from the meeting point. Members are encouraged to submit their own ideas for activities that aren’t currently in the programme, and also to lead or assist on activities that they have knowledge about.

If you are a veteran who has lost a limb or the use of a limb or sight during or after service and you are not already a Member, please go to our website at www.blesma.org/how-we-help/ to see whether you are eligible for Membership. If you are already a Member of Blesma and would like to get involved in our Activities Programme, please call 0208 548 7094 or email mea@blesma.org The Activities Programme is funded completely through the generosity of public donations, as is everything Blesma does.

Case study: Case study: Dominic Howells - – Glamping What was the best part of the trip? It was great for us as a family because we wouldn’t have been able to afford a break otherwise. I’m just starting my business as a self-employed first aid trainer, so there’s been a lot of focus on that and not enough family time. This gave us the only quality time we’ve had together all summer. What were the highlights? The setting was outstanding, the accommodation was to the highest standard, and the support from Blesma was perfect. We chopped wood and cooked together, and the children loved it. We’ll never forget it.

Nerys Pearce Ski-biking “At first, I found it difficult to interact with other Members. I was quiet and my self-esteem was awful, but the staff set up a non-pressured environment that allowed me to build my confidence. After Day One, I felt happy for the first time in ages. The trip was amazing and the people so inspiring. Since then, I’ve had the confidence to look into competitive sport again and I’ve started volunteering with children with behavioural needs, it has really sparked me back into life and shown me that there’s a way forward no matter how bad you think your situation is.”

Case study: Allan Long - Activities Week First Timer What did you enjoy the most in Activities Week? It was all great, but the physical and mental challenges were the best bits – it was life-changing. When we got to the quarry for the rock climbing everyone was nervous. I just swallowed my nerves, put my hand up and got up there! It was tremendous. What else did you enjoy? Go-karting was a mix of adrenaline, fear and fun. We also did a three-hour endurance race, so the week keeps you fit, too.

What was the social aspect like? Fantastic. It was a lot of fun – I was always laughing, and made loads of new friends. But it was useful on a practical level, too. I learned so much and even hears about a new treatment for phantom pains involving mirrors.

SSAFA

Michelle Partington (43)

ged 19, Michelle joined the RAF and enjoyed everything about service life. ‘I came from a really bad background... Being in the forces, I found out who I was and what I could achieve. I loved the travel, I had great jobs, reached the rank of sergeant before going for a commission and I achieved my goals.’ A year on from qualifying as a paramedic in 2008, Michelle went on her first tour of Afghanistan, the first female to work on the frontline with the RAF regiment. ‘It was a challenge mentally and physically, but… it was a fantastic experience.’ Two years later, Michelle went on her second tour. However, this time she was part of the Medical Emergency Response Team. ‘It was very dangerous and the injuries were horrific. For every one person we saved, it felt as though many more lives were lost, including children. I witnessed terrible things. ‘I became a medic to save lives, not destroy them, and yet I now had to use my weapon to protect myself. I became very confused about my own beliefs.’ On returning from Afghanistan, Michelle endured nightmares about the violence and injuries that she had witnessed. In 2012, Michelle returned to Afghanistan. ‘I absolutely dreaded going back and every day there was a struggle for me both physically and emotionally. When you’re on tour… you don’t want to show any weakness or that you’re struggling.You’re one of a team and the others need you and are relying upon you to support them. When I came home after three months, I couldn’t cope. ‘Inside I felt angrier and angrier, but then

I’d be on the floor in tears. It was too much for my fiancé and he left me, but my anxiety just got worse and worse. Every noise or bang took me back to Afghanistan and I wanted to end my life.’ Michelle was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The forces offered her therapeutic support but it was over two hours’ drive from her home. ‘There was no way I could travel such a long way after I’d been awake half the night with nightmares,’ said Michelle. ‘Also the sessions were very heavy and distressing… so I stopped going.’ In June 2014, SSAFA contacted Michelle and she was visited by a volunteer case worker, Eva Grave, who serves in the RAF. ‘When we first met, I was at rock bottom,’ explained Michelle. ‘I hadn’t been out of doors for months… I couldn’t bear crowds or loud noises. I was in a complete rut, alone with my nightmares and depression. ‘I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to have someone new to talk to. I could be completely open. You can’t tell your family you want to end it all, but I could tell Eva exactly how I was feeling. She listened to me at a time in my life when I felt completely alone and cut off from the rest of the world.’ Eva helped Michelle to find a counsellor locally, providing her with help close to home. ‘Eva has done so much for me… she was there for me when no one else was. Just knowing Eva was coming gave me the push I needed to get out of bed.’ ‘I have a whole new lease of life. I’m now starting up my own online charity supporting other people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental illnesses.’ ‘I’m finally getting my life back... I’ll always be grateful to SSAFA for being there when no one else was. SSAFA saved my life.’

14 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

" I’m finally getting my life back... I’ll always be grateful to SSAFA for being there when no one else was. SSAFA saved my life. "

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity provides lifelong support for serving men and women, veterans and their families. For more information call 0207 403 8783 or visit www.ssafa.org.uk

Something on your mind? FREEPHONE 0800 731 4880 Lines open 9.00 to 17.30 weekdays

Forcesline is a free and confidential telephone helpline that provides support for both current and ex-service men and women from the Armed Forces and for their families. It is completely independent of the military chain of command. Our experienced civilian staff are available to talk to you about anything that concerns you such as debt and money worries, housing issues, relationship problems and mental health issues that you might be facing. We provide information, support and signpost people to sources of expert advice. Forcesline can be accessed from anywhere in the world, see our website for details. Absent without leave (AWOL) line We can also provide confidential support if you or someone you know is absent without leave (AWOL)

01380 738137 Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talk now? Complete our online form or request a call back. Visit our website for details:

www.ssafa.org.uk/help-you/forcesline Registered Charity No. 210760 and SC038056. Est. 1885. S018.0915

FISH ASSISTS AMPUTEES WITH PIONEERING PROSTHETICS POLICY

ast year, disability specialist Fish Insurance launched a policy designed speciﬁcally for amputees, the ﬁrst of its kind to protect costly prosthetic limbs.

The policy, as standard, covers prostheses valued up to £55,000 and costs from £99 annually. Bespoke protection is also available for prostheses whose value exceeds £55,000 whilst the policy can also protect orthotic devices such as braces for the spine, upper and lower limbs, feet, knees and ankles. Its introduction came as prosthetics technology became increasingly sophisticated – and expensive - with 2014 seeing the first fitting of a £70,000 computer programmable, Bluetooth controlled knee prosthesis. Fish’s managing director John Garrard explained that the launch of the policy was in direct response to enquiries received by the company’s staff from among the estimated 60,000 amputees in the UK. “Whilst many prosthetics will be fitted and remain owned by the NHS, many amputees

choose to go private and that’s when they need benefit from effective insurance cover,” he said. “In addition people will frequently seek to complement an NHS prosthetic by themselves purchasing a specialist limb designed for tackling specific activities such as climbing, running or swimming. These can represent a significant investment and as such need protecting.” The policy covers accidental damage and loss worldwide and for prosthetics less than two years old, provides new-for-old settlements. It also includes £2m in third party liability insurance together with provision of hospital benefit, personal accident and assault cover. Introduction of the policy was welcomed by Helen Dolphin, campaigns director at Disabled Motoring UK who had both her legs amputated above the knee following a late diagnosis of meningitis when she was 22. “Insuring non-NHS prosthetics is in my opinion absolutely vital, and I speak from bitter experience” commented Helen. “A carer of mine once mistakenly thought she needed to remove a cover from a prosthetic liner and destroyed it. That mistake cost me

16 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

£600, a big enough sum in itself, but for someone with a specially designed or microprocessor controlled limb the bill for replacement can run into many, many thousands of pounds.” The launch of the policy was one in a series of pioneering moves by Fish which was founded 40 years ago speciﬁcally to serve people with disabilities and mobility issues and now serves over 80,000 policyholders. The company broke new ground when it introduced Independent Living Insurance to assist people taking advantage of the government’s direct payments and personal budget schemes to employ their own care staff. This included 24 hour access to a specialist HR and employment law helpline to assist policyholders in meeting their new legal obligations as an employer. Fish also offers specialist car and travel insurance alongside more traditional protection for homes, mobility scooters and aids.

For more details visit www.ﬁshinsurance.co.uk or call

0333 331 3821.

PACE REHABILITATION

Double Amputee is Summit Special!

ormer Welsh Guardsman Allan Roberts (35) from Corwen in Wales proudly stood on the top of the tallest free-standing mountain in the world recently. His achievement is even more remarkable as Allan is a double leg amputee.

Reﬂecting upon his amazing accomplishment, Allan said “I feel massively proud of what I’ve achieved”. Adding, “It shows what you can do if you set your mind to it”. In March 2010 Allan was travelling in a convoy in Iraq when an explosive device ripped through the cab of his vehicle, severing both of his legs below the knee. Despite his life threatening injuries and challenging subsequent rehabilitation, Allan successfully reached the 5895 meter summit of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with The Not Forgotten Association. Allan’s meticulous preparation for his epic challenge included working closely with the

clinicians at Pace Rehabilitation to optimise his prosthetic provision, before climbing Snowdon twice (in two days!) and completing 5-days of training in mountains of Majorca. The group of fourteen, who were fundraising for the military charity, ﬂew to Ethiopia before transferring to Tanzania. Allan was equipped with two pairs of prosthetic legs, one primarily for the assent and the other more suited for the even more challenging descent. Allan’s prosthetist, Howard Woolley, explains, “Allan’s residual limbs are very short, particularly on the right side, so we utilised the LimbLogic active vacuum system in an attempt to maintain his volume within the socket.” Howard continued, “The system does however require charging, but we received fantastic support from manufacturer WillowWood and UK distributor Ortho Europe who provided mobile changing units for the challenge and tested the components to below 15 degrees Celsius.” The seven day, 60 kilometre trek involved walking for up to seventeen hours a day. As Allan calmly said, “I think that’s enough for anyone!” To highlight how demanding the challenge was, two members of the group were unable to

18 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

reach the summit, making Allan’s achievements even more remarkable, as the most physically challenged member of the team. As he modestly recounted, “I didn’t have any real dramas and thankfully didn’t suffer from any altitude sickness.” He added, “As we’d discovered in training, the ascent was certainly easier. Coming back down caused my stumps to be bruised and tender, but I was relieved not to get any sores, which is testament to Pace’s prosthetic support.” As Howard summarised, “We’ve provided Allan with his prostheses for a few years now, but this took his activity to another level. It can’t be overstated what an incredible achievement this is and we are proud to have assisted him.”

Allan is delighted to have more than doubled his fundraising target, surpassing £4,000 for The Not Forgotten Association. However, donations are still welcomed, in recognition of his wonderful achievement. If you would like to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/ Allan-Roberts1

www.pacerehab.com

CONVERTING PATIENTS INTO PEOPLE

Rehabilitation Services Prosthetics I Orthotics Physiotherapy I Counselling Occupational Therapy Immediate Needs Assessments Expert Witness Services Quantum Reports

Above the knee amputee returns to mountain biking

Back to life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the saddle National Referral Centre Tel: 0845 450 7357 Email: info@pacerehab.com

PACE Rehabilitation 36 Brook Street, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 2BX

Unit 1, Anglo Business Park, Asheridge Road, Chesham, Bucks HP5 2QA

Education for the Military Ltd works to support both Serving Armed Forces and Veterans. ‘Education for the Military’ is the holistic look at all aspects of education, from ﬁnding a nursery place for your child to ELC funding, along with recruitment opportunities. > Pick up your copies in the Resettlement Centres, Hives or Military Wards and Hospitals, or contact us for your FREE copy to be sent direct.

OUT AUTUMN EDITION

NOW!

If you have a story that will inspire or entertain, contact the Editor, Joanne Nattress on:

0191 691 1958 educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk @educationmat / @Fighthroughmag

www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

AUTUMN EDITION 2015

BOARDING SCHOOLS

(Part 3) More to consider when choosing schools

CCF

Combined Cadet Forces builds character, says Barnard Castle School

ROPE ACCESS

FINANCE

THE ARMED FORCES, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

MISSION MOTORSPORT

MATT NOAKES

att Noakes f r o m Crewe, was a mobilised A r m y reser vist for 6 years following a career in the Marines. Having been deployed to Afghanistan in a reconnaissance infantry role, he unfortunately received a shoulder injury & is still receiving treatment, but due to complications and after several operations has been medically discharged from the Army. Matt Noakes joined Mission Motorsport in 2012 at a number of events as part of the mechanical support crew, including the Britcar 24hr race and has driven race cars at the Nurburgring and Spa, an experience which he loved. Matt attended a vocational tour of the Bentley Motors factory in Crewe and through the Mission Motorsport vocational provision started working at Bentley Motors Ltd in a Defence

Recovery Placement. Due to his hard work and commitment this has led to full time employment, with aspirations to work for Bentleys Motorsport department. Matt has also worked for Aston Martin Racing as pit crew for the World Endurance Championships, joining the team for all European and worldwide races in the series including the prestigious Le Mans 24hr race Words from Matt: “Having to spend time away from soldiering and the job I loved had been quite a challenge, boredom played an evil part of being injured and that lead to all sorts of problems with my mind”. Matt was diagnosed with PTSD and admitted “I was in a very dark place, I wasn’t a shadow of my former self, I had lost all my confidence and enthusiasm for life, as things were spiralling out of control Mission Motorsport came to the rescue, as a massive all round petrol head the opportunity to work with Mission Motorsport has opened up avenues upon avenues for me to participate whilst injured

> (Main) - Matt Noakes far right, (Top right) Matt secured full time employment with Bentley Motors Ltd, (Insert) Matt was Deployed to Afghanistan. along with opportunities for employment”. “I owe a lot to Mission Motorsport, possibly my life, I just hope I can do them proud and show what us Mission men and women are made of, and give the charity the recognition it deserves”. With Matt’s ever growing confidence he is now living the dream that he never thought possible, becoming a racing driver! Only recently passing his ARDS test Matt has become Mission Motorsport’s latest racing driver. Completing his first race at Oulton Park he admitted it was a difficult introduction to racing with terrible weather conditions and mechanical problems, however, proudly finishing the race he is now driven to show what he is made of.

“

I owe a lot to Mission Motorsport, possibly my life, I just hope I can do them proud and show what us Mission men and women are made of, and give the charity the recognition it deserves "

MISSION MOTORSPORT

Lubricants, fuel treatments and coolants for classics and motorsport

i s s i o n Motorsport is a forces charity dedicated to turning lives around, taking Wounded, Injured and Sick personnel (WIS) from across the British Armed Forces and giving them hope, purpose and the skills needed to transition into work in civilian life. We aim to inspire & rebuild confidence, help in the development of new & existing skills, provide training & direct vocational support & assistance, & help establish paths to employment. Mission Motorsport was set up by Major James Cameron after returning from Afghanistan in 2011. As well as trying to make heavy armour go sideways (his Twitter name is @tankslider), Major James Cameron was a Royal Tank Regiment officer, he latterly commanded the Warthog Group in Afghanistan. Sadly he saw colleagues and friends killed, and many more were injured during the tour, so upon arrival back in the UK he was determined to do something for the wounded within his squadron. One of the first Mission Motorsport events was an entry at the Britcar 24 Hours race at Silverstone in 2011, with a team made up of serving soldiers doing the driving and a pit crew comprising the recently wounded. During the race, in the early hours of the morning, it was

10% Online Discount* about 4am, Major Cameron got out of the car and, unable to sleep, and full of adrenalin – he wandered back to the pits to talk to his team, only to find there was no sign of the boys. Keen to know where they were, he had a look around and eventually discovered them in a nearby garage, up to their elbows in grease, helping another team to repair its Toyota MR2 and get it back out on track. It’s episodes like that which demonstrate exactly why exservice personnel can make such brilliant employees. Look beyond the CVs and you’ve got people who are used to turning up on time, working hard, mucking in and going above and beyond. This is a relatively easy idea to sell to companies, but it can be harder to make the soldiers themselves see how potentially valuable and employable they are, so a big part of what Mission Motorsport does is try to give people their selfesteem back and see that there is a potentially fulfilling life beyond the army. A perfect example of Mission Motorsport’s motto – ‘Race, Retrain, Recover’. Now in our fourth year, we have helped over 500 personnel so far by inspiring and showing even badly disabled personnel that they can contribute to a team, they can enjoy things and they can have real purpose in life. We do this by introducing them to motorsport, they can spectate, be part of the huge teams that support a race or indeed compete themselves.

OUR OUTPUT IS IN THREE MAIN AREAS: EXPERIENCE:

We provide days out with privileged access to large and small events too provide you with a first hand, front seat, white knuckle introduction to an exciting and engaging sport.

COMPETITION:

The preparation, development, coaching and teamwork involved in competition is a hugely cathartic experience. By engaging in sprints, hill climbs, track racing, and rallying we engender a real team ethos. It is about much more than just the driving – car preparation, logistics, support and race management all present challenges to be overcome.

for Serving Military & Veterans Enter code FIGHTT10 at the checkout *Discount not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer expires 31.12.16

Call us on: 01296 488 927 Visit: www.classic-oils.net

The MoTor Shed LTd

“

The Special RepaiR Shop, BiceSTeR heRiTage, BiceSTeR oX26 5ha

Tel: 01869 249999 Mobile: 07718 764463 Email: elder.vintage.services@gmail.com Kingsbury Racing Shop Ltd Vintage Bentley Engineering, Restoration & Race Preparation

Ewen Getley

The Engine Fitting Shop I 99 Bicester Heritage I Buckingham Road Bicester I Oxfordshire I OX26 5HA

TEL: 07803 206536 I ewen@kingsburyracing.com

www.kingsburyracing.com

£34,000 1913 OVERLAND Model 79TE 4-seat tourer, 35hp, 3.5 litres, VCC 1933 TALBOT AW75 Noel Rees Saloon dated £37,750 1934 BENTLEY 3.5 litre sports saloon by Thrupp & Maberly, 1914 DFP 10/12hp Special 2-seater & dickey £73,800 overdrive. £62,000 1919 CHEVROLET 490 tourer. Right hand drive £18,250 C1934 FORD V8 single seat sprint car, very reliable, very powerful. 1921 CADILLAC V8 open 4-seat tourer £54,000 £60,000 £29,750 1936 RAILTON LST 2-seat special, 4.2 litre, straight 8. £34,500 “1924 ALVIS 12/40 tourer 1925 ALVIS 12/50 SC 4/5 seat tourer £49,500 1936 RILEY 12/4 2-seat special £34,500 1925 BUICK Master Six 2-door Sedan, Lhd. £12,000 1937 AUSTIN 7 Ruby oX26 5ha £7,500 The Special Shop, BiceSTeR£13,750 heRiTage, BiceSTeR 1926 HUMBER 9/20RepaiR saloon 1926 HUMBER 12/25 All weather tourer £20,800 1939 BUICK 40 special sedan. (straight 8) L.h.d. Make an offer! £17,000 1926 MORGAN Aero 2-seat sports, 998 JAP air cooler twin, starter fitted. £27,750 1939 ROVER 14/6 saloon, under 35,000 miles, 2 owners until recently £19,995 1926 LANCHESTER 21hp Landaulette by Hooper £38,500 1926 STAR Scorpio 2-seat & dickey £29,500 1950 ROVER 75 4-door saloon. First of the P4 cars. Restored 4 1927 CHEVROLET series AA Capitol 2-seat tourer & dickey, ohv owners. £10,500 engine £14,750 1952 RILEY RMA Saloon £10,500 1928 RILEY 9 MkI Coupé, folding roof & dickey, many period 1963 MG B roadster, very well restored & well kept. £15,000 accessories £29,800 1964 ALVIS TE21 Saloon, 5-speed ZF gearbox, 2 owners. £21,000 1928 STAR Eclipse 4/5 seat tourer, restored beautifully £52,000 1965 VOLVO Amazon 2-door coupé, race/rally with FIA papers 1929 HUMBER 9/28 tourer £16,500 £14,500 1930 FORD Sprint/race car, single seat, very quick £21,750 1973 TRIUMPH TR6 150bhp (Stanpart engine), restored £19,750 1932 AUSTIN 7 RN “Box” saloon, 3-speed, sunroof, 3 owners 1976 JENSEN Interceptor MkIII, total restoration. £45,000 £7,750 £8,250 1932 HUMBER 16/50 six-light saloon, one family most of its life. 1999 JAGUAR XK-R drop-head coupé MOTORCYCLE Superb £26,500 1932 RILEY 9 Ascot 2-seater & dickey £29,500 1964 DOT 250 trials bike £3,250

The MoTor Shed LTd

Tel: 01869 249999 Mobile: 07718 764463 Email: elder.vintage.services@gmail.com

Cars sold on consignment - can I help?

Visit our web site: www.vintageandclassiccars.co.uk

£34,000 1913 OVERLAND Model 79TE 4-seat tourer, 35hp, 3.5 litres, VCC 1933 TALBOT AW75 Noel Rees Saloon dated £37,750 1934 BENTLEY 3.5 litre sports saloon by Thrupp & Maberly, 1914 DFP 10/12hp Special 2-seater & dickey £73,800 overdrive. £62,000 1919 CHEVROLET 490 tourer. Right hand drive £18,250 C1934 FORD V8 single seat sprint car, very reliable, very powerful. 1921 CADILLAC V8 open 4-seat tourer £54,000 £60,000 1924 ALVIS 12/40 tourer £29,750 1936 RAILTON LST 2-seat special, 4.2 litre, straight 8. £34,500 1925 ALVIS 12/50 SC 4/5 seat tourer £49,500 £34,500 1925 BUICK Master Six 2-door Sedan, Lhd. £12,000 1936 RILEY 12/4 2-seat special £7,500 1926 HUMBER 9/20 saloon £13,750 1937 AUSTIN 7 Ruby 1939 BUICK 40 special sedan. (straight 8) L.h.d. Make an offer! 1926 HUMBER 12/25 All weather tourer £20,800 VOCATION: £17,000 1926 MORGAN Aero 2-seat sports, 998 JAP air cooler twin, starter Mission a range of 14/6 training courses anduntil 1939 ROVER saloon, under 35,000 miles, 2 owners fitted. Motorsport provides£27,750 recently 1926 LANCHESTER 21hp Landaulette by Hooper educational opportunities to£38,500 suit the needs of individuals.£19,995 1926 STAR Scorpio 2-seat & dickey £29,500 1950 ROVER 75 4-door saloon. First of the P4 cars. Restored 4 These range onetourerday basic car maintenance courses at£10,500 1927 CHEVROLET series from AA Capitol 2-seat & dickey, ohv owners. engine 1952 RILEY RMA Saloon our workshop, to a Modular£14,750 Motorsport Foundation course£10,500 1928 RILEY 9 MkI Coupé, folding roof & dickey, many period 1963 MG B roadster, very well restored & well kept. £15,000 culminating with race£21,000 accessories in a residential placement £29,800 1964 working ALVIS TE21 Saloon, 5-speedaZFmajor gearbox, 2 owners. 1928 STAR Eclipse 4/5 seat tourer, restored beautifully £52,000 1965 VOLVO Amazon 2-door coupé, race/rally with FIA papers team. We have guys on placement at the moment with major 1929 HUMBER 9/28 tourer £16,500 1930 FORD Sprint/race car, single seat, very quick Bentley £21,750 manufacturers – not least and Jaguar LandRover, but£14,500 1973 TRIUMPH TR6 150bhp (Stanpart engine), restored £19,750 1932 AUSTIN 7 RN “Box” saloon, 3-speed, sunroof, 3 owners also with race car manufacturers and race MkIII, teams. Not just£45,000 JENSEN Interceptor total restoration. £7,750 1976 with drop-headopportunities coupé £8,250 1932 budding HUMBER 16/50 six-light saloon, one family mostmechanics of its life. 1999 JAGUAR for engineers and - weXK-Rhave MOTORCYCLE Superb £26,500 in1932management, project management, security, logistics, £3,250 RILEY 9 Ascot 2-seater & dickey £29,500 1964 DOT HR, 250 trials bike

events and customer Carsrelations. sold on consignment - can I help?

Visit our web site: www.vintageandclassiccars.co.uk 22 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

BROTHERWOOD

A Goodwood First For Brotherwood: Ex-Serviceman Sets Hill Climb Record in Brotherwood Wheelchair Accessible Nissan

mid all of the noise and smoke at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, a very different type of course record was set, as Lionel O’Connor became both the ﬁrst, and fastest person ever to complete the famous hillclimb in a wheelchair accessible vehicle In 2006 Private O’Connor was serving with the Royal Anglians in Iraq when his vehicle was caught in a huge explosion, killing two of his colleagues. Lionel was severely injured, losing his left leg as a result. At the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lionel made history to become the very ﬁrst wheelchair user in the 23 years of the event to complete the iconic hill climb course as a passenger aboard a wheelchair accessible Brotherwood

vehicle, piloted by Goodwood regular and former Nissan BTCC racing driver Andy Middlehurst. Lionel is no stranger to speed:The manager of the Mission Motorsport stunt driving team can often be seen performing high-speed slides and burnouts as part of his work with the Forces’ Motorsport Charity. So despite Andy, a British Saloon Car Championship winning driver, who has also recorded historic Formula 1 victories at Monaco, Silverstone, Spa and Goodwood revival, driving the car to its limits, Lionel remained unfazed: “The car is really comfortable, but I was strapped in, in my own wheelchair, meaning I didn’t have to transfer from the wheelchair into the car. Even though Andy was pushing the car up the hill and through the corners, I felt secure and safe. There is also a lot of room in the back so it didn’t leave me feeling all squashed. Thank you very much for giving me the unique experience.” The vehicle itself was perhaps not the usual Festival of Speed fare: an all-electric Nissan eNV-200, converted by Brotherwood to carry a wheelchair user in addition to 4 seated passengers and a driver. Despite the “Envy’s” performance shortcomings when compared to his usual drive, a 1966 Lotus 43 BRM, Andy aimed to get the most out of the battery- powered, wheelchair-accessible vehicle; something to which the vehicle’s other passenger, Brotherwood Managing Director John Daniel can testify: “The course rises over 300ft from the start

line to the finish, and is very technical and challenging for the best of drivers. Climbing a steep and narrow estate road bordered by the infamous flint walls, peaking at over 75mph was exhilarating in the ENVY and felt it was on its limit during the corners, truly a great time.“ “The work that Mission Motorsport carry out in providing motorsport as part of the recovery and rehabilitation of our servicemen and women is inspiring and undoubtedly a fantastic cause. An inspirational character, it was an honour to offer Lionel such an opportunity after what he has been through serving queen and country. With his character and outlook on life, people like Lionel that make the world a truly better place.When you think you’ve had a bad day in the office you need a ‘Lionel’ around.” The event marked the first time a wheelchairaccessible vehicle has ever completed the tricky 1.16-mile course, and whilst it may not have been the fastest, it represents a memorable milestone for both Lionel, and disabled transport specialists Brotherwood, who have been converting passenger cars for wheelchair access since 1985, and celebrated their 30 year anniversary at the 2015 Festival. Brotherwood would like to acknowledge our thanks to Lionel, James Cameron and the team at Mission Motorsport;Andy Middlehurst at Middlehurst Motorsport; the British Racing Driver’s Club for their help contacting Andy; Lord March and the staff and Goodwood Festival of Speed who helped to achieve this milestone in disabled passenger transport.

Follow ghthroughmag II FIGHT Follow Us: Us: @fi @fighthroughmag FIGHT THROUGH THROUGH II 25 23

NEWS - TONY BOYD

Ex WO1 Tony Boyd formally of the Physical Training Corps, Fights Through major injuries to become an ambassador for Golf with On Course, a member of the full time reserve services, teaching injured soldiers at Phoenix house Catterick this is his amazing story as told to our editor Joanne Nattress.

> (Top Left) Tony Boyd is now an ambassador for the On Course Foundation (Right) Tony in action on the golf course.

24 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

t was February 1996 that WO1 Tony Boyd was on tour to Kenya. During the Tour, Tony WAS RUNNING AN ADVENTURE TRAINING PACKAGE, this is where his life would be changed forever. During climb Tony had a 180ft fall. Suffering many injuries including a broken back, fractured skull, broken jaw, rope burns HE ALSO SUSTAINED TWO BROKNEN LEGS a Tony’s long battle to recovery would begin. In total it took sixteen years, to get the quality of life he now enjoys. After being so physically fit, Tony was frustrated he had a lot of pain, his knee joint on his right leg wouldn’t move and was unable to walk much without falling over. Tony said “I could never do any sports, not even golf as I would fall over, even my Grandkids knew not to ask me to get involved in sports with them, which was something I longed to do”. After many operations on his Right leg, to try and give him movement and balance had failed, the decision was eventually taken to amputate. In December 2012, after 16 years of pain and frustration Tony’s leg was removed. When I asked how that felt at the time, his response was quite simple,“it was a relief!” After so many years in pain and unable to do the things he enjoyed with his family, he knew the prosthetic would give him a better quality of life than he had experienced in the past 16 years. During his Rehab Tony first took to cycling to help aid his recovery and get active again, building his fitness back up. Soon Tony returned to Golf, for Tony it not only gave him great exercise but playing on a course with like-minded people who were supportive gave him confidence and independence to continue. “It was a place where with the golf handicaps, I could compete with anyone, Able bodied and disabled player’s, everyone is accepted, and they all support injured soldiers. I also enjoy the Banter with the guys.

When playing, I am left to my own devices I can clear my head, and quiet my mind”. Tony is now an ambassador for the On Course Foundation, raising funds and recruiting injured soldiers to give golf a try. “The Feedback I have is, Golf is sometimes the only place where the guys are able to experience freedom in their minds” Tony is organising a fundraiser event for the On Course Foundation which will be held at Catterick Golf Club, the event is open to anyone from single ball players to four balls. If you would like to get involved with the fundraiser, please send Tony an email to bikeboyd2000@yahoo. com. After the accident Tony also needed to look at a new career path, and he retrained as a Teacher. He is now utilising these skills by re-joining the services in the Full Time Reserve Services, and now works in the Personnel Recovery Centre Phoenix House, Catterick. Tony is proud to now be teaching soldiers in recovery, and hopes that his story can encourage injured guys to continue on, and see that there is life beyond the injury.

“

... Able bodied and disabled player’s, everyone is accepted, and they all support injured soldiers. "

The new BMW 3 Series

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE NEW BMW 335d xDRIVE M SPORT SALOON MONTHLY RENTALS FROM £315 (Plus initial rental*)

With outstanding road-holding and a new generation of TwinPower Turbo engines for increased power and lower fuel consumption, the latest BMW 3 Series xDrive Saloon is a new vision of driving exhilaration. For more information and to book a test drive†, please call 020 7514 8602 or visit www.bmwukmilitary.co.uk

SEARCH: BMW UK MILITARY. Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 335d xDrive M Sport Saloon: Urban 43.5mpg (6.5l/100km). Extra Urban 57.6mpg (4.9l/100km). Combined 51.4mpg (5.5l/100km). CO2 emissions 145g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. BMW Group ISSD Ltd is a credit broker. *Initial rental £1,000. Price shown is for a 12 month ISSD BMW Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 335d xDrive M Sport Saloon with optional metallic paint, with a contract mileage of 12,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 16.74p per mile. Applies for new vehicles ordered between 1 October and 31 December 2015 and registered by 31 March 2016 (subject to availability). Retail customers only. At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Hire available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Park Lane Limited, trading as BMW Group ISSD, commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including BMW Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

JASON BURNS

CASE STUDY: JASON BURNS

t has taken a long time for battle-scarred Royal Marine Jason Burns to smile again, but his face lights up when he proudly shows off his Artiﬁcial Grass Ltd lawn. “It has really made all the difference. It is such a joy to come out here now, for both myself and the family,” says the crippled Afghanistan veteran at his home in South Shields, Tyneside, as he eagerly awaits this year’s Great North Run to pass his home. “For anybody with the restriction of movement I have, this kind of lawn in a godsend really. There’s no mowing and only the simplest care, but it can be used all year. For me, it looks beautiful and is a peaceful place to just sit.” Artiﬁcial Grass Ltd was delighted to come to the aid of this true British hero after hearing from fellow commandos from the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. We joined volunteers transforming his family home into a comforting, easy-care environment capable of coping with the life-transforming injuries he suffered in a rocket attack in Helmand province in 2011. Evacuated on a giant US Blackhawk helicopter, Jason,45, was forced to quit at the height of a dedicated 26 year Royal Marine career. The cumulative effects of injury, pain and stress meant he initially struggled to cope with crippling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and rarely ventured outdoors. “There was nothing to tempt me into the back garden here anyway. It sloped to one side and there was a giant manhole in the middle. It was a mass of weeds, undulating, patchy.You couldn’t put a blanket down or anything.

“When Artificial Grass lads turned up I couldn’t really see what they could do. But they set out and levelled the ground, added sand and hard-packed it. When they laid the artificial grass it was just transformed. What was amazing is that they did it all in one day, just a few hours work. “I will always remember that day. The kids had just finished school for holidays and they came home and there was this beautiful new garden to play in. Now we use it every single day - they are out there in all weathers.” The paralysing injuries Jason suffered when hurled through mid-air in that mortar attack, will never heal. The father of three walks painfully slowly with the aid of a stick over short distances, but needs a stair-lift in his specially-adapted house. Outside the house he is mostly confined to a wheelchair or mobility scooter. His career was ended in a heartbeat, just as officer dreams were set to be realised. As he struggled to recover, Jason couldn’t even manage the stairs to bed at night and spent days staring at a blank wall. As PTSD tore through him “like a tsunami”, he experienced the darkest thoughts. And it is these serious mental wounds that the new garden has helped most. “It’s been massive for me mentally. Having fun with the kids in the back garden has put

26 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

a smile back on my face that I’d lost,” says the father of three, holding hands with lovely wife Andrea. Sitting on the beautiful wooden deck overlooking the lawn, Jason nods at the trampoline in one corner and reflects that he is not the only family member to benefit. Autistic son Ethan,13, has complex sensory issues and yet delights in the soft, synthetic yarn used in the Lifestyle range of grass. “The kids’ cousins aged 4 and 8 come around and they all rush out to play. It’s brought our whole family together, improved relations and the garden is now an extension to the house. I can’t thank Artificial Grass enough,” adds Jason. In a truly cruel blow, wife of seven years Andrea was diagnosed with crippling fibromyalgia at the height of Jason’s struggles. But both have learned to live with pain and a simple, inspiring, refusal to accept defeat is behind their constant smiles. “We have got each other and our children and that’s all we need,” she laughs. “We live simply and probably more healthily than if we had not gone through all this.” Adds Jason, “And we have learned that there are good people out there. People who will come and build you a new home and garden just out of goodness. I can sit out here in our garden now and see a new future for us”.

ON COURSE FOUNDATION

GETTING BACK ON COURSE > Provided By: OCF

hen Service personnel are faced with career ending illness and injury it can seem that there’s no way forward. But there are organisations out there that help get life back on track. One such organisation I’ve recently encountered is the charity On Course Foundation. The charity’s mission is to use the game of golf as a means to physical and mental recovery, and to also offer its Members routes to meaningful employment in the golf industry. Its Members’ stories are incredibly inspirational and reminded me that the way forward isn’t always in the direction you expect. Launched in 2010, the Foundation has already helped hundreds of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans across the country. Taking referrals directly from PRU’s or from Service personnel themselves, On Course Foundation provides introductory golf sessions to give a taste of what to expect from the charity and the game. One beneficiary of the charity is Welsh Guard Stewart Harris. Stewart was severely injured in an explosion. He lost an eye and suffered Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He joined On Course Foundation in 2014 and since then golf has become an integral part of his recovery. He describes a round of golf with three other people who have been through similar experiences as “better therapy than any counselling session.”

Since joining, as well as becoming a member of Rhyl Golf Club, Stewart has also undertaken a work experience placement - organised by the charity - as a greenkeeper at Northop Golf Club and has used golf as an integral part of his recovery. Member Rob Hansen has had similar experiences, using his technical expertise from the Royal Signal Corps to secure a job at golf trolley manufacturer Stewart Golf. The charity came into being when founder John Simpson visited the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court in June 2009. Despite suffering a leg injury as a result of childhood polio, John had enjoyed a successful career in the golf industry. He shared his experiences with patients there and it became clear that there was an opportunity to use golf as a means to rehabilitation. The charity does this through its Introductory, and Golf Skills & Employment events which are free for Members to attend. 85% of attendees have never played golf before. As well as receiving golf tuition from its PGA Professionals, Members receive information on careers in the industry. The experience of participating in these events is therapeutic in itself as Rob explains, “My first event was amazing. To be in an environment with people who not only understood what I was going through, but had found a way to make it to the other side was incredible. The lads are not only friends, but therapists and confidants.” There is no one route from the taster golf skills day to employment, but it’s clear that those that make the journey certainly benefit from the experience, a fact beautifully summed up by double leg amputee Gregg Stevenson, “As a proud and devoted soldier, the British Army was my life ... Through the On Course Foundation I have found a new lease of life with a clear sense of direction. With their help and understanding, I am about to embark on a very different but equally rewarding career.”

28 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

> MAIN IMAGE: Tuition at Woburn Golf Club, (BELOW) Rob Hansen at Stewart Golf, (BOTTOM LEFT) Stewart Harris - OCF

For anyone wanting to know more about the work of On Course Foundation please visit www.oncoursefoundation.com call +44(0) 208 334 2010 or ask your Personal Recovery Officer for information on a referral.

NEWS

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though out your swing. Learn the feel of the grip. Stops the club face from opening on impact. POLLAND PROFESSIONAL GOLFER Relives tension fromEDDIE the fore arm. Increases club head The speed. Grip-Par gloves are fantastic. Not only do they keep your hand in the correct though the swing, but they also teach my students feel, plus giving R&A approved underposition exception ruleout 1,14.3. ®

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All the gloves work on the same wrapping system, which is both patented and trade marked in the USA. It is EDDIE POLLAND TEAM APPEARANCES: a simple concept with a super strong effect. We sell the Grip-Par® golf glove both as a training glove for ableRyder (representing Great Britain & Ireland): 1973Tunnel, Parkinson’s Disease, bodied golfers but for golfers that Cup do have hand injuries such as Arthritis, Carpel World Ireland): 1974, 1976,it 1977, 19791 rule 14.3. etc then it would fall underCup the (representing same ruling which the1973, R&A have issued with it 1978, exception

Ottobock launches new computer controlled prosthetic foot Triton Smart Ankle provides stability and flexibility to amputees

lobal innovators Ottobock, who have made many breakthroughs in the world of prosthetics including the C-Leg and Genium X3, have now developed its first computer controlled foot, the Triton Smart Ankle. The Triton Smart Ankle expands the excellent functionality of the Triton Low Profile foot by incorporating an adjustable microprocessor-controlled ankle joint. Thanks to additional ankle functions, the innovative new foot is able to adjust gradually to changes in both walking speed and environment. A highlight for amputees using the Triton Smart Ankle is the intuitive response and the ability to make quick heel height adjustment via smartphone and tablet apps allowing the wearer to use footwear with different heel heights without compromising on safety.

EDDIE POLLAND EUROPEAN TOUR WINS: Penfold Tournament, 1973 | Sun Alliance Match Play Championship, 1975 Spanish Open, 1976 & 1980

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST GRIP-PAR GLOVES EDDIE POLLAND PROFESSIONAL GOLFER ADRIAN FRYER FELLOW OF THE PGA, PGA PROFESSIONAL The Grip-Par® gloves are fantastic. Not only do they keep your hand in the correct Any serious teaching professional knows out the club face is but responsible over 75% position though the swing, they alsoforteach my students feel, plus giving of the ball flight direction stability and its orientation the path plane theBeing swingan ambassador for British on impact, to keeping theand club faceduring square. ® glovefor is the is key to achieving consistent striking. experience Inclusive Golf InI my could instantly the seeGrip-Par the benefits anybody with grip issues, first teaching and practice aid that allows coach Stroke and theeffected, amateur Parkinson’s, golfer to whether it be withthe Arthritis, etc. Simply Brilliant. position the hands for desired club face positions and shot shape they are seeking. It’s so simple and effective it’s Brilliant!

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Ryder Cup (representing Great Britain & Ireland): 1973 World Cup (representing Ireland): 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 As a training aid the Grip-Par® glove helps students understand the benefit of a grip where the top hand stays in contact with theWINS: club. If a pupil has two faults it can EDDIE POLLAND EUROPEAN TOUR also allow the1973 other| problem to beMatch dealt with ensuring the grip isn’t an issue. Penfold Tournament, Sun Alliance Playwhilst Championship, 1975 Spanish Open, 1976 & 1980

DARREN SCHOLES ACADEMY DIRECTOR, PROFESSIONAL ADRIAN FRYER FELLOW OF THE PGA, PGAPGA PROFESSIONAL IAny have been teaching coachingprofessional golf with a passion for club overface 25 years now and for canover strongly serious knows the is responsible 75% ® glove to all teaching as during a training aid to recommend thedirection Grip-Parand of the ball flight its orientation to theprofessionals path and plane the swing ® help of all levels to improve their control of the golf I tried the is glove glove the is keygolfers to achieving consistent striking. In my experience the club. Grip-Par myself and feltand immediately beneficial a solid and controlled first teaching practice how aid that allowsthe thefeeling coachofand thegrip amateur golfer to transition from the for topdesired of the club backswing was when the they glove. glove position the hands face positions andwearing shot shape areThe seeking. really to maintain control of the club throughout the entire golf It’s so helps simplethe andgolfer effective it’s Brilliant! swing. It’s amazing.

SARAH WILSON ADVANCED PGA PROFESSIONAL As a training aid the Grip-Par® glove helps students understand the benefit of a grip

where the top hand stays in contact with the club. If a pupil has two faults it can WWW.GRIP-PAR.COM TEL: 0151 422 9533 also allow the other problem to be dealt with whilst ensuring the grip isn’t an issue. ® ©

Gripeeze® and Grip-Par® are trade mark names of GRIPAID LIMITED. Registered in England & Wales No.: 07316165. Copyright 2010 Gripeeze | Get Your Grip Back Gripeeze® | Grip Your Game Grip-Par® | Grip Your Game. Patent Pending. Gripeeze® Sports & Support Gloves. Patent No.: 1011873-5

DARREN SCHOLES ACADEMY DIRECTOR, PGA PROFESSIONAL I have been coaching golf with a passion for over 25 years now and can strongly recommend the Grip-Par® glove to all teaching professionals as a training aid to help golfers of all levels to improve their control of the golf club. I tried the glove myself and felt immediately how beneficial the feeling of a solid grip and controlled

For more movement: Relaxed Mode: While sitting down the foot lowers itself to the ground. This creates a more natural posture and improves the comfort levels of the user. Free Ankle Motion: Complete freedom of movement for a period of 15 seconds. A feature that is most helping when putting on trousers etc. Toe Lock: Options to lock the foot into a fixed angular position for driving etc. The new computer controlled foot is available for above, below and through knee amputees with mobility levels two, three and four. Its carbon fibre frame

coupled with hydraulic unit makes it streamlined yet durable and replicates natural movement in the ankle giving the user more control. “The Triton Smart Ankle is the newest addition to the successful and well-known Triton family of prosthetic feet”, said Rachel Neilson, Ottobock UK Academy. “It is a step forward in design, allowing the user the freedom to make the most of their life whilst maintaining the excellent performance and energy storage users expect from a Triton foot. Tackling different terrains, changing heel heights and negotiating slopes will all become second nature as the hydraulic ankle unit of the Triton Smart Ankle adapts to suit the situation. This adaptation will give amputees even greater freedom to tackle whatever obstacles life throws at them with confidence, security and ease”. The Triton Smart Ankle is ideally suited to the new C-Leg 4, providing a state of the art solution for trans-femoral amputees.

> The new Triton Smart Ankle from Ottobock. Reclaim your way.

For more information on Ottobock’s range of innovative solutions that restore mobility please visit www.ottobock.co.uk or follow @ottobockuk.

GOLF

From downin-the-dumps to feeling confident and positive amputee Sheena Varsani explains how golf has transformed her life…

> SHEENA VARSANI AT THE DRIVING RANGE

30 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

With

Get into golf

olf-crazy Sheena Varsani, 30, an abovethe-knee amputee, was hooked on the sport from the moment she picked up a golf club. Just six weeks on from her first lesson with professional coach Chris Whitelegg, at the Shire London Golf Club, she already credits the game with helping change her life for the better. “Nine years ago I lost my left leg above the knee as a result of blood poisoning. I learned to walk again but it took a lot of physical and mental energy. I would constantly fret about what I might face the next day, thinking over every possible step in case I was confronted with new terrain I couldn’t cope with. I lived in fear of falling down and would go to sleep worrying. I was often down in the dumps in the evening as life seemed stressful and I was fearful of moving out of my comfort zone. I had been sporty before I lost my leg, enjoying football and tennis. I wanted to stay fit and active and had been looking for a new sport. I had met an amputee who played golf years back and it had long been on my mind to give it a go. I booked in for a half-hour lesson with Chris Whitelegg to give golf a go and see if it would fit the bill. I fell in love with golf from the minute I tried it. I had a video analysis lesson at the driving range with Chris, who was inspirational. He showed me the basics of a golf swing and talked about the body mechanics of learning to play. Something about the game really chimed with me and by the end of the session I was hitting the ball cleanly. Chris was patient and encouraging and talked about what I could do rather than

what I couldn’t. It was all so positive and I left on such a high that I wanted to keep playing. I loved it so much my husband took me to the nearby Top Golf driving range at Watford immediately after my lesson where I hit another 40 balls! I booked 10 more lessons with Chris and also went on my own to the driving range as many times as I could the following week. I’ve been regularly since and now own my own clubs. I’ve fallen in love with golf because it has changed my life for the better. Golf is like a washing machine for the mind – clearing away worries and making fresh room for a calmer mindset. Chris’s focus on what I can do in golf has made me think more positively in other areas of life. Instead of worrying about what might happen, or about falling down, I think “yes, I can do that” if I’m asked to go somewhere or do something. Before, I often turned down invitations because I was worried what might happen. I am already a member of two driving ranges and my next move will be to try a nine-hole course and of course to keep improving my golf swing with help from Chris. I love everything about the sport and can’t recommend it enough. It’s a great way of keeping physically active but it also does wonders for helping create a positive, can-do state of mind. It is so absorbing that it just takes away your worries. Now my focus is all about what I can achieve rather than what I can’t do. I no longer limit myself and I can’t believe how much it has helped improve my state of mind. Taking up golf was the best thing I ever did.

If you are inspired by this story and would like to take up golf then visit getintogolf.org to get started or call 0800 118 2766 for more information. Get into golf is the national campaign to inspire adults to take up golf, run by England Golf and supported by Sport England National Lottery funding.

GOLF

Golf for many is more than just a Game, it’s a way of life, giving older members in particular, a social connection as well as keeping them as active as possible. Our aim at Northcroft Golf, with the use of our devices is to help keep players playing. This includes Senior and younger players who may have some restrained movement. The use of our devices can make golf that touch more comfortable to play and can extend a golfers playing life.

The BAMP Pro & The Tee-Up Foldaway are both endorsed by Sam Torrance OBE

The BAMP Pro - is a multi-purpose Ball pickup device that will fit virtually any putter grip. This device also allows the player to mark their ball on the green and also pickup both ball and marker. It utilises a special magnetic peg that is fitted onto the top of the putter grip. • High quality, removable rubber cup, allowing for easy storage. • Exposed magnet allows you to pickup the ball marker without having to bend. • Can be used to mark your ball on the green without bending. • Fits virtually all putter grips.

Catterick Golf Club Membership Available From £175. Military Green Fees £15, 7 days a week.

The Tee-Up Foldaway - Lightweight device for placing the Ball and Tee-peg onto the teeing ground without the need to bend. • • • • • •

Lightweight / Easy to use. Foldable for easy storage & travel. Places ball and tee onto the teeing ground. No special tees required. Pickup tees after playing your shot. Lockable trigger for ease of use when waiting to tee off.

Tel: 01748 833 268 Email: secretary@catterickgolfclub.co.uk Web: www.catterickgolfclub.co.uk

For more information and advice on our products, please get in touch:

Tel: (0) 1488 685 038 Web: www.northcroftgolf.com

Catterick Golf Club, Leyburn Road, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3QE

Army Golf Club

Your friendly, local club ‘No military connections required’

If you would like to learn to play golf or, have previously played and want to get back into it, then we have 45 trained PGA Professionals across Wales offering numerous opportunities to get started. Whether that be to learn in groups, play with friends or individually with a coach, there are opportunities for all. Golf is a fantastic sport that provides a calm space away from the hustle and bustle of life, aids the development of fitness and co-ordination, and also builds confidence self-esteem and well being.

Pictured: Stuart Finlay from the Golf Union of Wales completing 101 holes of golf in one day, raising funds for the On Course Foundation and The Poppy Factory. Stuart is pictured here with Gregg Stevenson (OCF National Liaison Officer), who joined Stuart for 18 holes.

Come and play Army Golf Club. If you like what you see and take up membership. We will give your green fee back. Interested in Joining? Here’s some reasons why you should 

Challenging, picturesque golf course and practice facilities;



A good mix of competitive and friendly competitions for all abilities;



Warm, friendly atmosphere with popular social events and excellent catering;



Competitive membership rates with concessions for juniors, golfers up to age 29, the over 80s and military personnel;



A dedicated respected professional available to give individual or group lessons, and a well equipped Pro-Shop to meet all your golfing needs.

For more details, please call Richard or Vivienne on 01252 337272 (Option 1) alternatively visit www.armygolfclub.com

To allow us to support you through a more tailored approach, please get in touch: Email: sian.simmons@golfunionwales.org I Twitter: @GDW_Golf Facebook: /Golf Development Wales I Web: www.golfdevelopmentwales.org

Army Golf Club, Laffans Road, Aldershot, Hampshire. GU11 2HF 01252 337272 www.armygolfclub.com

MISSION MOTORSPORT

> (Main) James McGill offered employment within the Purchasing department at Jaguar Land Rover in Whitley, (Insert) James on patrol in Afghanistan

Transition from The Armed Forces to Jaguar Land Rover: Guardsman James McGill - 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards

oining the forces from 20092014 I was part of a forward fighting company whilst operational in Afghanistan, Op Herrick 16 2012. Previous to this we went through exercises in Kenya, and Canada which was our pre deployment training package. Ceremonial duties in and around central London were also a huge part of being a Guardsman, such as Trooping the Colour and Queens Guard. The Inkerman Company were deployed early March for our summer tour, tasked to engage with local nationals on foot patrols and complete periodic ground holding/clearing missions. Our area of operation consisted of rural ground like

much of the country, with small to slightly larger pockets of compounds, which made up the villages. Nothing could really ready me for the experiences I gained, but every day the threat we faced was always waiting. Our Regiment sustained multiple casualties and fatalities, life changing for both families and ourselves. During a period of ground holding me and my Platoon occupied a compound overnight, we made our exit the next day and minutes later an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was initiated by the enemy. Fortunately in this instance only my self was injured. I sustained multiple shrapnel wounds to the left side of my body and limbs. I was flown home 2 days later after an initial wash out operation In Camp

32 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Bastion, to undergo a further two due to complications with nerve tissue, bone structure and skin grafts. The after care and support was first class, so was the company I kept in hospital, as it was a ward especially for injured forces personnel. I began my first of four admissions at Headley Court a Military rehabilitation centre. I went on to other rehab establishments like Phoenix/Tedworth House which had great sporting facilities, enabling me to further my recovery which took 18 months in all and finally get back to playing Rugby. Throughout my recovery a career and future within the Army began to look more doubtful as the functionality in my left hand had reduced so much I could no longer operate weapons effectively. Ultimately I was medically discharged, and my pursue for a new career began. I had heard there were opportunities at Jaguar Land Rover through my personal recover unit, I was put in touch with Charlie Catling, a Mission Motorsport rep that organises placements and employment opportunities through The Wounded Injured Soldier Programme at Jaguar Land Rover. I immediately took on the chance to potentially find a new career path into the Automotive Industry, I started my three month placement in July and once that was complete I was offered employment within the Purchasing department here in Whitley.

ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY

CASE STUDY: CHRIS PARROT

hris Parrot is no stranger to adversity, having been injured on two separate tours of Afghanistan. In 2007, at just 18 years old, Chris was deployed on his first tour with 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment. On this tour, a bullet shattered his leg during an intense firefight, which also claimed the lives of two of his comrades and injured 16 other soldiers. Chris was evacuated back to the UK where he underwent surgery and rehabilitation at Headley Court. In 2009, having been deemed fully fit for active service, he was deployed for his second tour. It was here that Chris received his second serious injury, when fragments of a grenade entered his head through a gap between his helmet and glasses. Chris, who was fully conscious during the aftermath, recalls; ‘I remember blood dripping down my face and all I could think was not ******* again’. Once again, Chris was evacuated to the UK where doctors told him that he would need to undergo a high-risk operation that he may not survive. Upon hearing this, Chris told his parents that, if anything was to go wrong, he didn’t ‘want to live, I don’t want to be a vegetable’. Thankfully, the operation was a success but, as a side effect of the injury, Chris was diagnosed with epilepsy and was medically discharged from the Army in 2011. In search of civilian employment, Chris went on a course which involved spending a

few days helping disabled residents at Headley Court with gardening. It was here that Chris decided this type of ‘hands on’ career was for him; ‘I enjoy being outdoors so didn’t want a desk job. Even though disabled, the guys were doing hard landscaping which I thought was amazing’. It was at this point that ABF The Soldiers’ Charity stepped in to support Chris. With their funding, he was able to take part in a two year Horticulture course with the Charity covering his essential costs, including clothing, safety equipment and travel. As a result, Chris was able to gain practical experience in many different aspects of landscaping and, having completed the course, now champions The Soldiers’ Charity for ‘helping me out massively through this funding, they sorted out everything from the kit to the bus fare. Now I’ve ﬁnished the course I hope to get a job so I can carry on doing something that I’ve started to love’. Chris went on to become an integral part of the landscaping team that created The Soldiers’ Charity’s gold medal winning, ‘No Man’s Land’ garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2014. Now 25, Chris believes his Chelsea experience serves as an emotional lesson about the challenges and hardships faced by soldiers, and the importance of having a charity dedicated to the welfare of those adversely affected by their time in the Army: ‘When you leave the Army, you have to adjust to a whole new way of life. In a way, it’s kind of like a no man’s land, as I know I felt a bit lost and quite alone. But I soon found my way, thanks to the support of my family and The Soldiers’ Charity’.

The Soldiers’ Charity is committed to providing lifelong support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families, enabling them to live with the independence and dignity they deserve. If you would like to ﬁnd out more about the work of The Soldiers’ Charity, visit soldierscharity.org, or check out their Facebook and Twitter pages.

facebook.com soldierscharity Twitter @Soldierscharity

MISSION MOTORSPORT

STEVE MccullEy

> (Main) - Steve McCulley

on Patrol in Afghanistan, (Insert) Steve with his self built race car, (Below) Achieving a number of podiums in the 2015 season

34 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

n May 2011, an Improvised Explosive Devise in Afghanistan injured Major Steve McCulley, now 37, a Marine from Hampshire. “As the lads performed battlefield first aid on me to stem the bleeding I can remember thinking how proud I was of them and how professionally they were handling the situation. A Directional Fragmentation Charge IED had just hit me; these types of IEDs are located in the sides of walls and ditches in order to hit the upper body. Shrapnel hit me everywhere, but my more serious injuries were the large holes in the right hand side of my chest where the shrapnel fractured six of my ribs and tore through my right lung. Everything started going dark – I thought I was going to die and never see my family again. My men managed to keep me alive until the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) picked me up by helicopter. I was flown back to the field hospital in Camp Bastion and my last memory of Afghanistan was a surgeon looking over me and saying “you’re going to be alright”. “I spent the next three weeks in a medically induced coma in intensive care, in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. Two months after I was wounded I started the rehab process at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court. Initially I made good progress, however, a year after being injured I started coughing up blood. Due to the severe risk from the shrapnel remaining in my lung, in August 2012 I underwent major surgery to remove as much of it as possible and although I’ve lost significant lung function, the surgical team managed to remove fifteen pieces of shrapnel from my chest cavity. It’s four years on and I’m doing OK. I still get horrific chest pain and am having a lot of problems with my leg. I get lethargic because oxygen isn’t getting to my muscles quick enough and I can’t do any impact exercise, but I can cycle. I was introduced to Mission Motorsport soon after its inception and have not looked back. Initially I didn’t have a lot of involvement due to rehab, however I had some incredible opportunities; whether it be

passenger rides on track days or being taught how to do ‘J-Turns’ and ‘handbrake parking’! The vocational side has also been incredible. I’ve been taught engineering and mechanical skills, as well as workshop husbandry. I started my own business (LIOS Bikes) whilst in rehab, but have been a ‘petrol head’ all my life. As with most blokes, I’ve always thought I could be a racing driver, however the reality was probably not! That said, Mission Motorsport and Caterham gave me that opportunity by racing in the Caterham Acadamy in 2014. I built the race car by myself in 49hrs and by the end of the season I had managed to place 4th in the championship, which was a big surprise to everyone considering I was racing on an extremely tight budget, so did not have the same opportunities to test like my other competitors. Due to my success in my first year of racing, both Mission Motorsport and Caterham agreed that I could use the car again for the 2015 season, this time racing in the Roadsport Championships. All I had to do was find sponsorship to fund the season! It has been tough to find the requisite financial support, however Patron Capital and the Motor Fuel Group helped me out half way through the season, which meant I could race the whole season. Having had a great start and leading the championship, with a number of podiums along the way, unfortunately ‘Lady Luck’ was not with me throughout and I had four DNFs due to other competitors losing control and hitting me off the track…with the associated crash damage! With two races to go this season (as at 8 Oct 15), I’m hoping for a strong finish to the season. After which my final event of the year will be the Race of Remembrance, where I and my team mates (Barry Moore and Paul Aram) are aiming to retain our title after our win in the inaugural event last year! I now know I can drive a car consistently fast round a track (if I don’t get hit!) and I’ve been on an incredible journey thanks to Mission Motorsport; I’ve met new friends, I’ve learnt a lot about myself, as well as the motorsport industry and it has been therapeutic for me.”

WWTW NEWS

SIX INJURED VETERANS ASK YOU TO SUPPORT OUR HOMELESS VETERANS THIS CHRISTMAS...

ix injured veterans who are currently walking from Scotland to Buckingham Palace on a 1,000 mile expedition were joined by GB Invictus Games Captain, David Henson at HMS Victory in Portsmouth to launch the charity’s Christmas campaign ‘Walking Home For Christmas’ in support of homeless veterans. Walking With The Wounded is calling on people across the UK to do their bit for wounded servicemen and women this Christmas and join the campaign to raise vital funds for veterans who simply don’t have a home to walk to. The campaign, backed by Nick Knowles, Dominic West, Julia Bradbury and Sir Chris Bonington among others, will see thousands of people being sent special Santa hats, pulling on their walking boots and having an adventure on their very own doorstep – be it 1 mile or 100 miles this December. David Henson, captain of GB’s Invictus Games team and an ambassador for Walking Home For Christmas, said: “The Walk Of Britain team are showing what’s possible for wounded veterans and Walking Home For Christmas is a fantastic way for people to show their support, get involved and have some fun in a Santa hat. As a wounded veteran the challenges I faced seemed impossible but with the support of Walking With The Wounded I am forging a new career in bio-engineering. I can’t imagine being homeless. For those veterans, the need is even greater – with getting a job being the key to getting back on your feet and independent.” Last year participants collectively walked more than 5,000 miles and raised £100,000. Andrew Cook, Head of Fundraising at Walking With The Wounded said: “Building on the success of last years event and our

HOW TO ENTER

current Walk of Britain Expedition, the aim of this years Walking Home For Christmas initiative is to raise £250,000. This will enable us to deliver five new homeless programs across the UK ensuring beneficiaries are not precluded from gaining employment and financial security through a lack of housing. The Walk Of Britain team will have walked over 1,000 miles to raise awareness of the charity, for a mere £10, anyone inspired by them can contribute much needed funds to this great cause – we urge everyone to walk home and support veterans who won’t have a home to walk to this Christmas.” Walking With The Wounded supports veterans with physical, mental or social injuries on their journey to long-term security, independence and employment.Walking Home For Christmas raises funds for WWTW’s Home Straight programme which supports homeless veterans back into employment and independence. It currently has projects in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Catterick, Aldershot and Bristol with four more opening soon. Every £40,000 funds a new centre. By signing up to Walk Home For Christmas you will be helping veterans like Sean: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3k6HA8F9Io The charity’s ‘Walk Of Britain’ expedition team of six wounded veterans are now more than 600 miles into their 1,000 mile walk across the UK, backed by expedition patron Prince Harry who joined the team for part of the walk. They finish at Buckingham Palace on 1 November and are calling on anyone inspired by the walk to do a walk of their own. One of the team, Stewart Hill, who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury serving in Afghanistan, said: “My trauma is not a life sentence though I shall carry my brain damage for life. I ask Britain to transform the lives of wounded veterans. I ask Britain to help.”

• Go to wwtw.org.uk • Enter your name, email and pay £10 towards the cause • Get your pack with a branded hi-vis bib, Santa hat and wristband • Walk as far as is challenging for you, 1 mile or 100 • Any time this December • #WalkingHomeForChristmas

To sign up, go to wwtw.org.uk

Need ideas for your walk? The Long HaUL: Can you beat the current record of 203 miles by Paul Marron who walked the coastal path from Edinburgh to Newcastle and inland to Wylam, sleeping rough en route? The workplace challenge: Software firm Greenstone walked en masse to School’s out: Schoolboy Mikey Wall walked 4 miles home to Cribyn in Wales with his mum

The Team Outing: WWTW staff in Norfolk walked 11 miles to a colleague’s home for a team dinner

The Ingenious Idea: 1st Middleton Scouts

in Manchester pulled a cart and handed out presents

The Train-ing Plan: Brian Sykes walked 3 miles home from his local train station

The (long) dog walk: Nigel Horne and his black Labrador walked 14 miles home across the Severn Bridge from Bristol.

BRAIN INJURY

> Alastair White (left) with Headway Forces Support Group steering group / Military brain injury survivor Rob Cromey-Hawke (3rd from right)

New Headway Forces Support Group launched

n e w Headway branch to support armed forces personnel and veterans affected by brain injury has been launched at a well-attended event in Catterick, North Yorkshire. The Headway Forces Support Group is the first group of its kind in the country. Led by former Army Captain and brain injury survivor Rob Cromey-Hawke, who is the Acting Chairman of the new branch, it will deliver a range of support services to brain injured forces personnel and veterans and their families across North Yorkshire and the North East of England. The new branch will initially run monthly peer support meetings that will aim to breakdown stigma surrounding servicemen and women asking for help and support by providing a safe space for people to share their experiences with others from military backgrounds. Sessions run at Phoenix House will also enable service users, their families and carers to benefit

from physical activities including pilates, relaxation sessions and yoga classes. The group is being supported by Help for Heroes, which will is not only generously allowing Headway to use its excellent facilities at its Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick, but will also help by referring people to the support group. In 2012, Rob Cromey-Hawke, 31, had been on a tour of Afghanistan when the service vehicle in which he was travelling drove over an explosive device. The incident left Rob with a severe spinal cord injury, hearing loss and, perhaps most worryingly, a traumatic brain injury. His brain injury caused him to suffer from ongoing memory problems, persistent dizziness and an acute sensitivity to light. Like many other servicemen in his position, Rob did not know where to turn for support when making the transition from military to civilian life, particularly while tackling the daily challenges that come with having sustained a brain injury. Rob joined – and soon became chair – of the Headway Forces steering group, helping to establish the military-specific support team

36 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

based at Phoenix House.“Once you have been medically discharged, you are on your own,” said Rob, who lives near Skipton, North Yorkshire, with his partner Karen and their two children, Connor and Charlie.“I soon discovered that the support available largely depends upon where you live in the UK.“The idea behind the Headway Forces Support Group is that anyone who has served in the Armed Forces gets the help they need – whether their acquired brain injury is a result of an incident while serving or not. We want to facilitate a smooth transition of care from what was provided before medical discharge to that available afterwards.” And the vision does not stop there. Future plans for the Headway branch includes an education programme designed not only for military families affected by brain injury, but for the military chain of command, the NHS, and medical specialists to help everyone understand what support is available and areas for improvement. It is hoped that the Headway Forces Support Group will serve as a template for the creation of

other similar branches around the country. Headway also has plans to create an online community forum that will enable military personnel from around the country to access support and engage with the group’s discussion on issues relating to brain injury. Alastair White, Network Support Coordinator for Headway, said: “At Headway, we know the devastation a brain injury can cause. Whether sustained in combat or in everyday life, the challenges an individual and their loved ones can face can be overwhelming. “Members of the armed services injured in combat or training receive high-quality acute care and treatment. But where hospitals and medics help save people’s lives, our role is to help rebuild them and enable people to once again play active roles in their communities. “The hidden aspects of brain injury can make it difficult for people to receive the help and support they need. By launching this new support group, we hope to reach out to more armed forces personnel and veterans living with brain injury to ensure they are not suffering in silence.”

Use your skills to give something back by training to teach at the University of Sunderland Pupils would benefit from the experience, background and skills that you have gained in the armed forces The skills and experiences you have gained during your time in the Armed Forces are invaluable, and our education system needs you to bring these to our schools. You could have the potential to become an outstanding teacher As a teacher, you can inspire the next generation and help them realise their ambitions Once you have qualified you can enjoy enviable job security and a generous pension. The average starting salary for newly qualified teachers in England is ÂŁ24,200 Subject areas: Maths, Science, English, Geography, Design and Technology, Business, Computer Science, Post-Compulsory Education and Training

For more information visit our website or talk to our friendly Admissions team: Tel: 0191 515 3845 Email: ell.enquiries@sunderland.ac.uk

www.sunderland.ac.uk

K C Y I A B S P

PAUL'S TUMBLING ACT

BY FORCES, FOR FORCES:

aul will be the first to admit he’s a big bloke. Heavy. It comes to us all eventually. But he was never lazy. On one PT session, running cross country on the hills outside of camp, he was told to do partnered shuttle runs (with a younger, fitter compatriot) and he decided to give it the beans. To hell with the jokes (which he admits he makes himself) at his expense. The PTI shouts “GO!” and he’s off like a shot. He’s ahead of his younger partner! Giving it his all, and maintaining his lead! He’s up that hill like a… well, like a fat lad running hill sprints. Give him his due, he’s huffing, puffing and pumping his tired little legs for even more speed! He’s only going to reach the top ahead of his partner. (I have to note at this point in the telling, I know the partner in question, and the lad is younger and fitter, but I haven’t corroborated this story with him in any way, shape or form. He knows who he is, and only he can attest to just how much effort was being spent on this “epic” chariots-of-fire style tale.) Paul reaches “the nipple”, the peak of the hill, first. But rather than the Rocky-esque celebration he imagined in his head, he has to get back down to complete the shuttle run. Not one to squander his hard fought lead, he’s off again. Paul notes that he and gravity aren’t always the best of pals; and gravity was going to give him a pasting. Not ten paces into the downhill run, he lost his footing. Imagine a tumbling, comic-book, literal definition of arse-over-tit, route back down the hill. The end result was a torn intercostal muscle in his back, just in time for his upcoming promotion course, and yet more material for jokes at his own expense.

hen you’re posted at an Operational EOD Sqn, covering duties is part of the job. When inter-team football puts two team leaders out of commission in one match, with a broken ankle each, it can put a bit of a strain on the reserve team members. So it stands to reason that after such a disastrous event occurs, the on-duty personnel are then banned from playing football. You would think then, that a fairly safe alternative would be Volleyball. Unless you let the RAF take part. Fast-forward to 1700 hrs on a Friday, and a baffled reserve team member, namely me, being told “Phone the Boss, you’re on duty. Now!” My first response was “What? Who’s gone man-down, and how?? You’re all banned from footy!” Being told the RAF lad on the team has broken his ankle during a volleyball match only caused suspicion. “You were playing ******* volleyball!?

How’s that happened?” It transpires, the RAF lad in question had watched a bit too much Top Gun, going for a spike at the net, Maverickstyle (topless or not – this is unconfirmed – but never let the truth get in the way of a good rumour), he landed like Bambi on ice. The noise of the ankle snapping was heard across the gym hanger. The poor lad in question went to the deck, his face drained of colour, with a basketball sized lump quickly forming where his ankle should have been. After his colleagues were done laughing, they tried to pick him up. At this point it became apparent that there was more to the injury. The next time I saw him he was in a wheelchair, legs pointing out straight ahead like something out Hot-Shots, rather than Top Gun. After mocking him endlessly for ruining my weekend, the poor RAF lad informed me that he had only gone and snapped both ankles. Playing volleyball!! I don’t even think he nailed the spike.

38 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

GLASS ANKLES

One to Many By anon Sapper

ne place that is notorious for crazy all night drinking sessions is the Squadron bar. On one fateful night in the squadron bar being a young Sapper I was out having a few drinks ready to start a week of leave. The night progressed with many a drinking game, getting worse for wear, I was still ready to go with the rest of the lads to the nearest town, and in the words of the CRE faithful smash the A**E out of it. Now as we all know if you throw up in a taxi it’s a fine and no one wants that the night before leave, so I rushed to the bathroom, only it wasn’t to be so simple! As I sat upon my throne I began to feel rather queasy which was an issue as I wasn’t in complete control of my limbs never mind my stomach, emptying my guts across myself and the toilet floor. After this explosive event feeling much better and just in time for the taxi, I turned my attention to the mobile seeing if any girls in the area I knew were available to “Pull” Suddenly a comrade shouted from the entrance of the loo’s taxis here!!. In a panic and forgetting to wipe or pull up my trousers I accelerated off the porcelain seat towards the door of the cubical, forgetting the slippy hazard under my feet. I began to slide and land trapped between the sink and the very hard concrete wall. Now not one to be stopped I mean let’s remember a Sapper is trained in the art of the piss up, I attempt to stand!, This a movement which was not the easiest ,as during the fall I had broken my ankle and my foot was facing the toilet. The next morning after the very disgusted squadron barman had put me to bed, I awoke with a bad head and a pain like no other from my foot running up my leg. Thinking ‘shit I broke my ankle what am I gonna do’ as I had to head to the airport soon to start my leave. Not to be defeated I used my Engineering training to good use I began to wrap electrical tape around my ankle and decided that I would solve this when I got back home. Just to add to this I also drank too much on the flight also and to this day I am not allowed back to mam and dads house after having a drink.

BEV'S SHATTERED HOPES AND KNEES

rying to impress on a specificto -theatre training package, prior to deployment, is always a good idea. It can set you aside as the go-to bloke. “That bloke will go far”, they’ll all say. Showing off your skills and drills in a time pressured situation is one way to impress. Getting essential Operational kit off the team wagon, and being able to skilfully deploy and operate it in front of the training DS Officers is a must. You have to be quick, skilled AND safe; remembering the safety of those around you, as well as your own. Very specific things, like EOD robots, live weapons, Ammo, safety traces etc. And then there are ramps. A vehicle fitted, retractable ramp is a very effective way to deploy a robot from a wagon. The drill is basically: Rock up, de-bus, yank open the doors, pull out the ramp, drive the robot off the wagon, get the robot down to the target end quick-smart, and look like some sort of ninja-hero-God. “Bev” was on track to all of the above. Rock up, check. Doors open, check. Pull out

ramp, check. Deploy robot, check, but wait, the ramp’s still sticking out the back of the wagon. Not a problem, Bev lifts the ramp with gusto, ramming it home with a grunt. Keen to impress, he’s already mounting the steps into the back of the wagon; Speed Drill Nailed! The ramp has other ideas however, and is possibly the only wagon ramp in the Regiment that doesn’t stick and jam like there’s a tonne of beach shingle inside its runners. So with surgical precision, the ramp hits home and bounces back out, matching Bev’s own keen speed, catching him on his knee cap. Suddenly Bev is airborne; flipping through the air like a drunken acrobat, landing inside the back of the wagon. Hilarity ensues, until it is realised Bev isn’t moving a lot. A shattered patellar was the cost of Bev’s keenness, and spending the rest of the package on crutches was his sentence. He came back for more, when back on his feet. He’s just more wary of sacrificing his knees in order to impress, these days.

K C I S BAY

K C I S BAY Colin Murphy: Rank: LAET (leading aircraft engineering technician) Based at RAF Benson with 846 NAS (NAVAL AIR SQUADRON)

arch 2014 during a station rugby match I suffered from a head on head collision. Splitting the top left of my forehead. Thinking nothing of it I continued to play the rest of the game considering it happened it the first 5 mins of the match. No symptoms were shown until 1 week later I awoke to get up and go to work. I couldn’t get out of the bed. My back was going into extreme spasms and the pain was like nothing I had ever experienced before. During the year in which I tried to cope with the injury and undergoing various different medical options and opinions to try and diagnose and treat my injury I continued to work on SQN. In January 2015 the injury stooped me from being able to carry out my full duties both physically and mentally I was deemed medical category p0 (noneffective). I then remained at home until the surgery which took place in March 2015. I was admitted to Oxford Nuffield hospital to carry out my operation or Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion (ACDF) over two levels. I was told all the various complications that could happen signed the form got undressed into the highly fashionable and quite breezy below hospital gown. I was then wheeled of to the operating theatre which was my last memory. Upon awaking from the surgery I instantly knew about the pain in the back of my head, totally unrelated to my operation. I was also wearing these strange inflatable socks which inflated and deflated in order to keep the blood flow to my feet and legs. To which, while I was still drugged up was apparently singing a song about them as they inflated and deflated. So being a murphy and the saying “whatever can go wrong will go wrong” sort of came into effect as I was in excruciating pain in the back of my head and couldn’t the force myself to go to the toilet so this nice HEAVY handed nurse so gently!! Inserted a catheter which will never be happening again ha ha. I looked quite a sight when i got up and mobile as there was a drain coming from the operation site full of blood, a bag of urine and a morphine drip with iv line as I trundled outside to smoke!!! On discharge there was an investigation raised about how I banged my head. To which still to this day have no idea what happened but it would seem I was dropped from the operating table. One week post the operation a disconcertingly large portion of my head went bald from where the impact trauma site was. That and along with my voice dramatically change post op left me in a bit of a state. I now sound like batman. Six months down the line I was referred to Hedley Court for an initial rehabilitation course. During my time there I was informed about the Mission Motorsport charity and benefits I could gain and to help me with my recovery. I arrived at the workshop not knowing what to expect and was amazed at the facilities and the positive effect it has had aiding my progress on recovery.

40 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

FIGHT THROUGH

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BACK & LEG PAIN

Archery GB & Help for Heroes team up in Plymouth for Target Tokyo

rchery GB and Help for Heroes have teamed up to search for potential serving or ve t e r a n military athletes who have the potential to win gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The team spent the weekend (1/2 Aug) in Plymouth with hopeful archers from the area and further afield at an indoor range at Devonport Naval Base and an outdoor range at the MOD’s Bull Point sports ground in the city. Some participants have been honing their skills as part of the archery club at Help for Heroes’ Plymouth Recovery Centre. Others have already taken part in competitions for wounded forces such as the Invictus Games in London and the Warrior Games in the USA. Some were complete novices hoping that coaches may spot a talent for archery. Royal Navy Leading Hand Gemma Dacey, who is serving with Hasler Rehabilitation Unit in Plymouth and uses the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre in Devonport Naval Base, suffers

from back and leg pain as a result of complex regional pain syndrome, which developed from an ankle injury. She is in constant pain and sometimes has to use a wheelchair to get around. But her physical wounds, while more obvious, are the lesser of the things she has to overcome. Gemma faces a daily battle against a hidden wound; anxiety. She struggles to cope with crowds and noise, but fortunately is able to recognise when she is feeling unsure and can put into place coping strategies that she has been taught, including guided meditation with an audio track. For Gemma, archery has proved to be the ultimate distraction. “I’d describe my anxiety as feeling like I’ve got pins and needles in my brain,” said Gemma. “Everything goes fuzzy. From there I know I’m going to drop. My breathing changes and the slightest touch from anywhere, even a blade of grass, will send me into uncontrollable twitches. I become really sensitive to everything in my environment; touch, noises; my body registers it 100 times more than what I’d feel normally. “When I know I’m getting anxious I normally take myself

42 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

out the situation. I need to be alone, I use guided meditation. It helps you recognise what’s going on so you can control it rather than changing what you’re doing. “I feel at home when I’m at the archery range, it’s just different. It’s like an escape; it’s the only time I feel like me. It’s strange. It requires so much mental concentration and you have a process you’ve got to go through. So many parts of your body you have to rely on to get the shot. I don’t feel awkward when I’m there, I just feel normal. It’s nice to finally have something to concentrate on after being told you can’t do the sports you used to do and you used to love. It’s a chance to get back into it.” The two-day archery camps have been visiting all of the Help for Heroes’ Recovery Centres across the country on various dates throughout the year with the final camp taking place this month in Catterick. Coaches were on hand to offer elite coaching, discussing and putting into practice correct techniques. Archers were also able to obtain classification and guidance on next steps, whether that is at an elite or recreational level.

“

It’s nice to finally have something to concentrate on after being told you can’t do the sports you used to do and you used to love. It’s a chance to get back into it. "

> For more information on the support available from Help for Heroes in the South West, please call 01752 562179 or email plymouth.supporthub@ helpforheroes.org.uk.

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PTSD

QA I’m Si Brodie, a 28 year military veteran and now a qualified counsellor. You may have read my article on PTSD last month’s magazine. Well it generated some questions which I plan to answer this month.

Q: Why do some people get PTSD and other people do not? A: It’s important to appreciate that very few people that get exposed to a potentially traumatising experience actually go on to develop PTSD, despite the messages that the media is fond of portraying. There are lots of reasons as to why someone may go on to develop PTSD most of which revolve around the way in which the event affected the individual and their resilience.As I mentioned in my last article, the factors which can build resilience (for us all) include elements such as speaking to people about the incident, being mentally and physically healthy, doing the things in your life that ‘feed’ your soul etc.

Q: My husband saw some terrible things in [Op HERRICK 9 and 14] which he doesn’t mention. How long does it take for PTSD to appear?

A: Most people exhibit some symptoms in the immediate periods after exposure to a traumatic incident. The problem comes when their brain does not appropriately process this. In general, most people will start to see their symptoms reduce and disappear within the first few (4-6) weeks. If, however, the symptoms get worse, or don’t improve, then specialist medical help should be sought, just to be on the safe side.

There are cases of delayed onset PTSD but this is relatively rare (although is significantly higher in the veteran population than in serving military). In such cases, someone with no symptoms starts to display the symptoms of PTSD either months or years after the traumatising incident. Current studies suggest that veterans who develop this, usually do so within 12 months of leaving the ‘safety’ of the military. Many of our brothers and sisters bury their pain and fight through their symptoms, doing their best to ‘carry on as normal’ in the hope that things will just get better. Unfortunately they won’t, not without professional help. However, the fact your husband does not want to talk about what he has experienced doesn’t mean he is hiding PTSD, it’s very difficult to hide. Perhaps if he won’t talk about his experiences, he may talk about his mental wellness and give you some idea of how well he is coping?

44 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Q: My parents don’t understand what we are going through. They believe PTSD is something that you get when fighting, but my partner was never actually shot at and still suffers.

A: Again this goes back to the media that likes to sell newspapers and use attention-grabbing headlines. As I mentioned last article, PTSD is the result of being exposed to a traumatic experience that can’t be properly processed. Now what may traumatise me, may not traumatise you and vice-versa. Combat Stress estimate that up to 3% of people may develop PTSD at some point in their life and there are obviously high exposure risks in groups like the military, the emergency services, rape survivors etc. Yes, a firefight can be traumatic, but it’s not the only traumatic thing in life and your partner’s PTSD is as ‘real’ as anyone else suffering with this horrible condition. Well that’s all of the questions (and all of the space) that I have. So, for next month, if you have any questions about mental health in general, then please write in to me via joanne@ educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk and I’ll do my best to answer you.

PTSD

CASE STUDY:

LISA THOMPSON: Listen In Development Officer

have grown up with family members suffering from mental health problems. I know first-hand what it feels like, how stuck and upset it can make you feel. Sometimes it is hard to deal with your own problems, but when you try to help a family member too, it makes life ten times harder!

Listen In service user I have been receiving help and support from Listen In and Change Step since February / March 2015. My son has mental health problems as a result of military related PTSD. I was working full time as a manager and trying to balance my professional world with my son’s problems and my personal life. A colleague became aware of my situation and had a contact number of a friend who worked for Change Step. I made the call and from that instant, my world became easier and I was able to breathe as finally, after months of searching, I had someone to help us. Initially, I met with Vrinty from Change Step; the most genuine, helpful person I had met in a very long time! He talked me through what they could do to help me and my son, it was an extremely emotional time but the way he handled the whole situation was amazing. We had numerous phone calls from him, assuring me I wasn’t alone and we could get help. I will never under estimate what reassurance those words gave me! Vrinty then introduced me to Listen In and I got to meet Lisa. This person has literally saved me! With her help, I was able to recognise I was suffering as a result of my son’s illness. I agreed to visit my local GP for help; they even made the appointment and offered to come with me! All the time supporting /texting & calling to make sure that I was ok. I attended a first aid course in mental health, arranged by Listen In and this provided me with a much greater understanding of the world I was now living in while supporting my son. It hasn’t been easy! My son still has frequent visits to mental health hospitals, but Change Step are always right behind him, making sure he has what he needs and checking he’s ok. That, along with the vast support I receive from Lisa, is amazing. I can text /phone when ever I have a bad day (which I do often) and we meet up regularly. I know I use her as a crutch while we get through this but quite frankly I dread to imagine where I would be without her help! She always leaves me feeling positive and that we can find a way through this. I now look for the leaflets for Change Step and Listen In when I go to GP surgeries and hospitals. I share their posts on social media and try to promote this amazing organisation as much as possible. If my colleague had never passed that phone number on to me, I’m not sure how we would have got through all this. I want to shout from the rooftops the amazing support these people give. This means they will be able to help many families like they have saved mine.

Since working for Listen In I have completed the mental health first aid, PTSD training with Veterans NHS and a number of CAIS training courses. I now work alongside the Royal British Legion, Defence Medical Welfare Service, Veterans NHS and many more veteran services. I hope to carry on working for Listen In for as long as I can, as I feel this community need this service so much. I am currently in the process of raising money for this service by doing a sky dive. I will take to the sky in my Listen In t-shirt to raise money for this much needed service.

What is Change Step? Change Step is a peer mentoring and advice service. This service is for military veterans who, through one reason or another, has struggled with transitioning back into Civvy Street and wants to make positive changes to their lives. The service is delivered by veterans for veterans and aims to support those seeking help for problems encountered as a result of military or operational duty. The programme offers peer support, training opportunities and signposting to relevant health and welfare services. Our sister project, Listen In, supports the signiﬁcant role families and friends of veterans play in promoting recovery from problems associated with military service and the transition to civilian life. The Listen In team will deliver mental health ﬁrst aid training and practical support to the families and friends of veterans.

Where is Change Step located? We have drop in centres across Wales. The drop-ins are a friendly place to meet with other veterans and a Change Step Peer Mentor.

www.changestepwales.co.uk

0300 777 2259

facebook.com/changestepwales

@ChangeStepWales

MOUNTAIN TRIKE

Rick Clement, 35, from Blackpool has spent the last 5 years coming to terms with his life -changing injuries

ick had joined the Army at 17 after leaving Clitheroe Royal Grammar School in Lancashire and was serving in the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in Helmand Province when he suffered critical life-changing injuries on May 27, 2010. He stepped on a Taliban mine while leading a foot patrol and lost both of his legs, before ‘dying twice’ on the flight home from Camp Bastion. Following his return to Britain, he began his long road to recovery and spent four months at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and 18 months at Headley Court, the Surrey based rehabilitation centre for injured soldiers. As well as focusing on his rehabilitation, Sgt Clement threw himself into raising money for his charity – A Soldiers Journey – which helps injured soldiers and has already raised a quarter of a million pounds. As Rick began to focus on his rehabilitation – he set himself the goal of walking to the Cenotaph to lay a wreath on Remembrance Day. Despite being told that he was unlikely to ever walk again – with doctors even warning him that prosthetics may not be an option due to his severe injuries – the war hero has now taken his first steps towards his dream. Thanks to the advance in technology there is a distinct possibility that Rick will be able to walk again in some shape or form. It was whilst searching the internet Rick came across the Mountain Trike – an all-terrain wheelchair, purely by accident and was instantly amazed - after a lot more research Rick decided he simply had to have a go and test it out for himself. On a day to day basis Rick has a very good light weight wheelchair which

is great on smooth surfaces but anything even slightly uneven or soft becomes impossible to cross. Rick lives in Blackpool and hadn’t been on the beach for 5 years that is until recently because his search for something manually powered and able to negotiate off road surfaces has come to an end. The Mountain Trike Company (www.mountaintrike.com) offer a short-term hire scheme, so Rick got on the phone and only had to wait a few days before he was able to test ride it. Rick says, “I hired the Mountain Trike for 5 days but if I’m being honest after day one I knew this was going to change my life dramatically. I could negotiate pretty much any off road surface and not only that, it was great for fitness - finally a type of exercise I could enjoy again, this is something I’ve also struggled to find since being injured. I tested the Trike on soggy grass, sand and many types of uneven paths including getting up and down large curbs. It passed easily on them all. I can now get anywhere I want to go. Having a dog I can now take him anywhere without worrying about a battery running down. Don’t get me wrong it takes arm strength to use but I progressed to over 3 miles very quickly.” Rick is due to receive his own Mountain Trike this month. And through his Military charity - A Soldiers Journey www.asoldiers-journey.co.uk he has already put in place buying two Mountain Trikes for other injured veterans who he believes will benefit just as much as him. Describing himself as ‘Robocop’ he said he wants to give himself ‘every chance’ at life. He’s surrounded by guys that are running marathons, swimming, climbing walls and straight away that altered his mind-set. I thought, if they can do it, so can I.’

46 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

For more information about Sgt Clement’s charity A Soliders Journey, or to make a donation please visit the website www.a-soldiers-journey.co.uk. And to follow Rick’s journey follow him on facebook where he has a huge global social following.

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CYCLING

ROLLING FELIX: JOHN O’GROATS TO LANDS END NON-STOP CYCLE CHALLENGE

challenge was set by the Assistant Director, Defence EOD & Search, Col Matthews, to cycle non-stop from John O’Groats to Lands End over a period of three days, to raise £1000 for the Felix Fund. Two teams of four cyclists ride a continuous relay ensuring that a cyclist was on the road at all times. Cyclists were drawn from across the EOD community; all three Services and the Civil Service were represented. Cycling proficiency ranged from novice, avid weekender to Army Triathlon. Individual cyclist each ride 50 miles per leg, with each team completing approximately 200 miles before handing over to the next. Timelines dictated that cyclists had 4 hours in which to complete their individual leg, an average speed of 12.5mph; the relay would continue until the 1000 miles was completed. Each team was supported by a minibus that provided support including navigational assistance, safety equipment and cycle spares,

and the odd dose of morale! The team not cycling would rest at predetermined locations before leapfrogging to the next handover point. The route chosen aimed to minimise holiday traffic while maximising daylight hours for the riders.While intra team checkpoints were left to the team, inter team checkpoints were set at Pitlochry, Kendal, Newent, and Chapel Town where both teams would combine and cycle the final leg to Lands End together. Col Matthews first team set off from John O’Groats at midnight. The second team, following a further nights rest, set off for the first RV. The British summer played its part with strong winds and rain from the start, particularly during the end of leg 2 and the start of leg 3. Fortunately by leg four the weather had cleared making the final ride to Lands End slightly more pleasant. Despite the weather, and the odd navigational deviation, teams were completing their allotted 200 miles in twelve hours resulting with an average speed in excess of 16mph, ensuring that the challenge would definitely be completed in the allocated time.

At Leg 4, teams were joined by some of the Sponsors, without whom the challenge could not have taken place. The sponsors also joined the combined teams for the final leg. Setting off from Chapel Town the combined cycling team proudly sported their Felix Fund cycling tops, and wound their way to Lands End. On arrival, aside from their own euphoria, there was considerable interest from members of the public and no doubt they were on the receiving end of the odd Bomb Disposal hero dit! A Total of £2500 has been raised for the Felix Fund; nearly double that expected. Congratulations to all who took part and the sponsors. I am sure that legs and derrières have now fully recovered!

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MOTABILITY

CASE STUDY: Allen Parton

Getting mobile with

otability is the UK’s leading car scheme for disabled people. Since it was set up on the initiative of the government in 1978, it has provided millions of people with affordable, convenient, trouble-free motoring through the provision of a new car. Powered wheelchairs and scooters can also be ﬁnanced through the Scheme. Motability’s car and wheelchair schemes currently provide freedom and independence to over 640,000 disabled people and their families, across the UK. The Scheme is directed and overseen by Motability, a national charity that also raises funds and provides ﬁnancial help to customers who would otherwise be unable to join the Scheme.

How the Motability Scheme works As a unique and successful collaboration of the public and private sectors, the Motability Scheme enables disabled people to use their government-funded mobility allowances to lease a new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), powered wheelchair or scooter. Customers can choose a brand new car from a selection of over 2,000 models, from the major manufacturers, on a three (or ﬁve-year lease for WAVs). Insurance, road tax, breakdown cover, servicing, tyre and windscreen replacement are all included in a single monthly payment. A similar allinclusive hire plan is available for powered wheelchairs and scooters.

Many cars are available simply by customers transferring their allowance to Motability for the period of the agreement. However, on larger or more expensive models, an additional payment (known as an Advance Payment) may be required.

Who can apply? The Scheme is available to anyone who is receiving one of the following beneﬁts, and has at least 12 months award length remaining when they apply: • Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance • Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement • Armed Forces Independence Payment A parent or carer can apply on behalf of a child aged three or older and those who cannot drive can apply for a car as a passenger. Once their application has been accepted, the customer pays all, or part of their allowance to Motability for the duration of the contract hire agreement.

Getting on the road Cars are supplied through a network of some 4,500 Motability Dealer Partners across the UK. There is also a national network of accredited retailers of powered wheelchairs and scooters.

For further information about the Motability Scheme, please call 0300 456 4566, or visit the Motability website: motability.co.uk

48 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

n 1991 Allen Parton was seriously injured in a RTA whilst serving in the Royal Navy during the Gulf War. Allen says “. I suffered a traumatic head injury which left me in hospital for five years. When I woke up shortly after the accident, I couldn’t recall being married, the birth of my children, or even read, write, walk or talk. It’s been a long recovery.” Allen continues “My life changed when I met an assistance dog called Endal. My wife worked with assistance dogs, and one day I attended a training class with her. It was there I met Endal – a puppy who was failing his training on medical grounds. Us two rejects found each other and I smiled – for the first time in five years. Gradually, with Endal’s help, I went from being a recluse to an active person again and slowly, he brought me back to my family. My life completely turned around, and I wanted to live life to the full, and Motability helps.” Allen is one of over 640,000 disabled people who choose to use their government-funded mobility allowance to lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter through the Motability scheme. Allen chose a new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso with insurance, breakdown cover, servicing, maintenance and replacement tyres all included on a three year lease. Allen says “We got our first car 18 years ago, and it’s like joining an exclusive club – a Motability family. Motability are there to help you and knowing that you’ve got back-up and not on your own if a problem arises, gives peace of mind.” “My Motability car gives me the freedom and independence I need! Sadly, Endal passed away in 2009, but he gave so many years of loyal service, even saving my life on one occasion.” Allen started the charity Hounds for Heroes, to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled service men and women and the civilian emergency services. Allen travel’s around with EJ, his new dog, for fundraising events and meetings, his Motability car is invaluable.

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“

As we move towards our 5th Anniversary in 2016 Felix Fund is putting together a new package of welfare support; which will include coaching, mentoring and a further focus on helping with stress related illnesses.

FELIX FUND: SUPPORTING EOD UNITS

elix Fund has been in existence since April 2011 when it was established to meet the then urgent needs of British bomb disposal experts and their families. This small and unique trade within the British Army have very speciﬁc requirements which could not be adequately met by general service charities, particularly in relation to their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since its launch Felix Fund has focused on providing normalisation breaks for over 100 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams on their return from Afghanistan. These operatives are deployed as individuals rather than part of a unit and the breaks have given the teams the opportunity to readjust to ‘normal life’ with the peer support that they were reliant on during their tour of duty. These trips have proved vital in reducing the risk of developing mental health issues among individuals and help with their transfer back to EOD duties within the UK. Other areas in which the charity helps is through grants to individuals and these can be to help serving or ex-serving soldiers or their dependants. Recent examples include; helping

with funeral costs for an ex-soldier who died of cancer; providing a specialist riser recliner chair for a WW2 bomb disposal veteran and funding towards an electronic tablet for a soldier’s wife who is due to undergo major surgery followed by a prolonged stay in hospital. There is still a need for Felix Fund to support those, past and present, within the bomb disposal community. The conﬂict in Afghanistan may be over but the effects will be long lasting. It can take over a decade for the symptoms of PostTraumatic Stress to be diagnosed and addressed and those who have been physically injured in the line of duty will need more help as they get older and their needs change. As we move towards our 5th Anniversary in 2016 Felix Fund is putting together a new package of welfare support; which will include coaching, mentoring and a further focus on helping with stress related illnesses. Our message is twofold; ﬁrstly we need help and support to fund the work of the charity, and secondly it is equally, if not more important to hear about anyone who might be in need of our help as well. >> If you would like to help please get in touch.

Providing welfare support and financial assistance to any military or police personnel who have been involved with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) duties. Website: www.felixfund.org.uk Email: enquiries@felixfund.org.uk Facebook: facebook.com/felixfund Twitter: @FelixFund / Tel: 07713 752901 Registered Charity No: 1142494

HEARING LOSS

What more can we. or should we, be doing to ensure our precious hearing?

> WRITTEN By: JOSEPHINE SWINHOE - THE TINNITUS CLINIC e all k n o w that guy w h o claims to have cheated t h e Military hearing test. It’s not uncommon, especially amongst the Old and Bold. There’s even a standard joke about it. Normally if anyone mentions hearing damage, some wit will inevitably respond with “What?”. Your name appears on Orders or similar, and you groan inwardly at yet another mandatory, annual trip to the Med Centre, upon penalty of the pointy end of the Sergeant Major’s pace-stick. For all the enforced tests, however, are we really aware of the damage that has been done, and continues to occur every day of our Military careers? Often the truth is that some of the more long-in-the-tooth personnel, who are still serving, fear for the security of their job in the Forces if they were to admit any form of hearing problems. To combat this, the MOD provides very strict guidelines

and rules about wearing ear defence. The good, old, green ear-muffs that live in the back your locker with your webbing, until range day. Unless you’re wearing them all day, every day at work, do we know what constitutes “damage”? Do we fully understand the accumulative strain on our fragile hearing? The “tipping point”, the watershed where a person’s hearing is irrevocably damaged, is still not known. For example, the SA80 rifle reportedly produces upwards of 150dB. Research states that any noise greater than 85dB can lead to hearing damage. 120dB can cause immediate hearing loss. So are the green cans doing enough to prevent this? On Op HERRICK the MOD provided “moulded”, individually fitted ear defenders. I remember my fitting, and being told to stare, motionless while the things set. But my hearing has never been the same since that tour. These are very specific areas being considered as a contributor to hearing damage. Every day we walk around in a noisy environment, for the most

52 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

part. What more can we, or should we, be doing to ensure our precious hearing? Josephine Swinhoe, former Captain with the disbanded Women’s Royal Army Corps served with 1st Battalion Royal Green Jackets and Intelligence and Security Group in Northern Ireland in the 1980’s and now Managing Director of the Tinnitus Clinic, explains. “Our hearing system is one of the non-repairable parts of the body. It’s made up of delicate hairs and bone structures within the ear on the outside of the head, and a mass of interconnected nerves on the inside in the hearing part of the brain. Once there has been damage done to hearing, it is impossible to get that back .

Damage can be done because of a physical hit on the head, perhaps through whiplash, a car accident or a bout of boxing. Or it could be an external noise – a bomb blast, loud music in a club or using heavy machinery without ear protection. The tipping point for each person’s hearing loss is different and can’t be even guessed at, so taking care to protect our hearing in everyday life, where we can, is vital” I don’t recall many soldiers in Northern Ireland going out with ear defenders on, it’s not practical. However what we can do, is to have ear protection when we attended clubs, or on the firing range for fun. >>

HEARING LOSS

Do you have trouble escaping from that constant noise in your head and need some help? The Tinnitus Clinic combines the latest acoustic devices and therapies that aim to reduce your stress and anxiety, improve your sleep and give you control over your tinnitus, day and night. We prescribe treatments including Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation and Tinnitus Desensitisation Therapy™, and the latest digital hearing aids programmed for tinnitus and hearing loss. Visit our website or call us to arrange the next step to your long-term relief from tinnitus.

0203 597 4988

Break free from tinnitus There are Three simple rules: Rule 1:

If you are in a club or at a gig and have to shout to make yourself heard to the person next to you, don’t stay in that environment for more than 10 minutes at a time if you are not wearing some ear protection. That buzzing you get at the end of the night might be alcohol but it’s more likely to be tinnitus. So give your ears a break and step away from the music for a while.

Rule 2:

Did you know that hearing can be damaged by the noise of wind rush past your ears. If you are a road cycle racer or motor bike rider, wear ear protection to prevent damage.

www.thetinnitusclinic.co.uk Harley St. (London), Bristol, Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Leicester, Maidstone & Manchester

Rule 3:

Don’t wait until you can’t hear to get your first hearing aid. Hearing works because the nerve cells in the auditory cortex, or hearing part of the brain, respond to noise outside of the head. These noises are changed to a small electrical signal, which travel to the auditory cortex and creates the ‘sound’ we recognise. A dog barking, or laughter, are all broken down into small electrical impulses in the brain. Once the brain stops receiving those signals it starts to shut down. It then becomes impossible to get those nerve cells working again if left unstimulated for a long period of time. A hearing aid works because it is helping to get those noise signals right into the brain. “ Josephine concludes. “I know it’s really un-cool to wear a hearing aid. But not being able to hear is a lot worse. And there are many small hearing aids, and discreet ear protectors on the market today which can really make a difference. “

“

It’s not uncommon, especially amongst the Old and Bold. There’s even a standard joke about it. Normally if anyone mentions hearing damage, some wit will inevitably respond with ’What?’ "

INSURANCE

TOP

TIPS

Once you’ve found the right cover for you, the fun can really begin by choosing where you would like to stay and explore. To help you have a safe holiday, here are the top five things we’d suggest you do before you go:

YOUR

Y A D I L HO A

CHECKLIST!

s we approach the winter months, there can be nothing more exciting than planning your next trip abroad with family or friends to have something to look forward to. However one aspect which can be a challenge, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, is finding the right tailored travel insurance policy. Whilst there’s an abundance of information available to you at the click of a button, sometimes it can be hard to digest and getting the best quote to suit your needs can be difficult. Finding a policy which offers the correct cover when you’re abroad can sometimes result in the premium being higher than expected. Here at Insurance Choice, we’ve put together some handy suggestions to help you to find the right policy for you so that you can relax and enjoy your trip! Depending on which country you travel to, it may have an impact on the cost of cover so doing some investigation before you decide on your destination will help. For instance visiting ‘high risk’ countries such as USA, Caribbean or the Canary Islands will

be more expensive compared to ‘low risk’ countries such as France and Italy. If you are planning a longer holiday, keeping the duration under 31 days (inclusive of the days of travel) helps keep the premium down as most insurers are able to offer a quote for this amount of time. If the duration exceeds 31 days, there are fewer insurers offering this type of cover, meaning that their rates usually increase as there is less competition in the field. We’d suggest that once you have decided on your destination, to get a quote for your travel insurance. That way you know the expected costs upfront and this will allow you to see if the trip will fit into your budget. Here at Insurance Choice, 60%* of our customers purchasing travel cover have a pre-existing medical condition and we have an experienced team of operators who work hard to arrange bespoke travel insurance policies. Unlike the vast majority of travel insurance brokers, we can secure cover to include over 250 conditions without medical screening and can also offer policies to customers awaiting treatment or suffering with an undiagnosed disorder.

54 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Whether you’re planning an action packed holiday or one that’s slightly more relaxing, finding a good guidebook can help you get to know your destination, including its local laws and customs.

Ensure all your documents are in date and valid, such as your passport, necessary visas and of course travel insurance. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary, passports, insurance policy and a way of contacting you, such as email or mobile, with family and friends in case of emergencies.

Visit your GP at least 6 weeks before you go to check what vaccinations you need and whether you need to take extra health precautions.

Make sure your travel organiser is reputable and can provide sufficient evidence of financial protection by ensuring your holiday is ATOL protected or that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes cover for any financial failure.

Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, e.g. travellers cheques, sterling or US dollars. Then simply enjoy your holiday!

For more information on schemes such as Annual Multi trip and to get a quote, visit Insurance Choice online at www.insurancechoice.co.uk or call 01926 454 890 today. *based on all policies incepted between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015.

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22/06/2015

INSURANCE

09:41

Specialist travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions C

Everyone deserves a holiday, time to relax, unwind and leave the world behind. At Insurance Choice we know that it can be stressful trying to find travel insurance, particularly when you have one or multiple pre-existing conditions. We work with some of the industry’s leading specialist travel providers to arrange the right cover for you, at the right price. Ensuring your medical past doesn’t hold back your future!

CMY

We consider all conditions from PTSD to limb amputations. Whatever your history, we aim to have your future covered.

Call us today for your quote

01926 454 890 www.insurancechoice.co.uk

Insurance Choice is a trading name of Insurance Factory Ltd. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 306164). Registered in England and Wales (No. 02982445). Registered Office: 45 Westerham Road, Bessels Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB

Competitive home cover Protecting what matters All home and contents cover is the same, isn’t it? You may think so but, if you’re serving or have a military connection, you’ll find a real difference with The Military Mutual.

Is The Military Mutual home cover right for you? Our cover is designed for the whole military community, including veterans, reservists and all those who care about our Armed Forces. And because The Military Mutual is owned by our members, all surpluses are re-invested to benefit our members and improve our services.

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LAW

S o l i c i t o r s

L i m i t e d

he Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is available in the event of a service personnel’s death or injury whilst in service. The scheme provides a gratuitous lump sum award, based on a sliding tariff with the top award being currently £570,000. The scheme has been in operation since 2005. A claim can be made whilst you are still serving but must be made within 7 years of the accident occurring and does not prevent you from bringing a legal claim at the same time. If an application under the scheme is successful you will be paid a lump sum for your injury and depending on your injury you may qualify for a guaranteed income payment for life in a similar way to receiving a pension. Members of the armed forces can also take action through the courts if the MoD has failed in the duty of care they owe to all who serve. This right was enshrined in statute by parliament in 1987 when crown immunity was removed. Case law has also developed (quite rightly and sensibly in my view) that the duty of care owed by the MoD does not apply in the heat of battle. It would be ridiculous if a Captain was sued for making the wrong decision under gun ﬁre. This is referred to as “combat immunity”. The MoD prefers service personnel to be ‘compensated’ under the AFCS for their injuries rather than bringing a legal claim.

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, legal claims and why changes need to be made to protect our service personnel Whilst there is no doubt that the AFCS does offer service personnel a gratuitous lump sum payment, in my experience the compensation payments are nothing like the sum of compensation a claimant can obtain in a legal claim. This is because the tariff system does not provide for complex future care needs, treatment costs, loss of earnings, adaptation costs and equipment costs. Therefore without a legal claim, a seriously injured claimant will be severely undercompensated. By way of example, last year a Royal Navy sailor was paid £1 million after injuring her back playing a drunken game during an Armed Forces function. The 25-year-old – who is still serving – was hurt plunging from the top of a human pyramid built by alcohol-fuelled troops as they larked about in the mess. In stark contrast, the compensation is double the amount paid to Ben Parkinson, the most seriously hurt British soldier to survive the Afghan frontline. Then aged 23, the paratrooper was blown up by a mine in 2006. He was left in a coma for months with 37 injuries, including losing both legs, damage to his spine, skull, pelvis, hands, spleen and ribcage. The £570,000 awarded to Ben Parkinson was clearly not enough – although it was the maximum allowed under the AFCS. Since the commencement of the AFCS in 2005 there has in my view been a tightening of decisions to make an award and there also a growing back log of appeals. I have long campaigned to take the word compensation out of the AFCS title it causes confusion and as the MoD is aware a reduction

56 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

in the number of valid legal claims against them in the courts. What is also needed – and something I have been tirelessly campaigning parliament - is the need for wounded troops to be referred to specialist legal and financial advisors before they receive awards through the AFCS. There is serious cause for concern in that large sums of money are paid to sometimes very young injured personnel without any safeguards in place. For example, if the money is paid in to a joint bank account who exactly can access it and withdraw the soldier’s financial lump sum payment? It is crucial that the individual receives the correct advice so that the amount awarded is available to him/ her to support their immediate and long term needs. Sadly, on occasions, there has been a relative in the back ground ready to relive vulnerable injured soldiers of their awards. As a solicitor instructed on such cases, I would be professionally negligent and open to reprimand and disciplinary procedures from the Solicitors Regulation Authority and legal claims if I allowed this situation to happen in my care. One clearly has to put the long term interest of the claimant first. I have met with the MoD and MP’s specifically in relation to this point but the situation remains unchanged. I am hopeful this will not be the case for much longer.

Written By: Hilary Meredith, CEO, Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd

“Any serviceman or woman who suffers life changing injuries deserves the very best support for life and maximum compensation” Hilary Meredith, CEO of Hilary Meredith Solicitors Limited

Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd is the UK’s leading military law firm. Our experience acting for armed forces service personnel spans cases from Northern Ireland, The Falklands, Bosnia, Gulf War 1, Afghanistan and Iraq including training incidents and manoeuvres at home and abroad. We have also acted in a number of ground-breaking cases including human rights law on the battlefield, green on blue and blue on blue friendly fire. Specialists in the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and Military Legal Claims, our experience helps to maximise the value of the claim. We can also assist with military wills and advise on a whole host of legal issues.

www.hmsolicitors.co.uk

0800 124 4444

Meredith House, 25-27 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AR Central Court, 25 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1AL

@HMhelpforforces

Hilary Meredith Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales. SRA ID number: 561149.

LIFE MANAGEMENT

‘You tell me that you’re ready but you just don’t know …’ > WRITTEN By: SARAH, FOUNDER OF I AM STRONG COACHING

ne of my favourite songs recently has been Kodaline’s Ready. Its insistent energy and powerfully afﬁrmative lyrics found me exactly when I needed them most.And before I even knew about the simple effectiveness of having your own conﬁdencebuilding mantra on repeat in your head, there I was endlessly singing ‘I’m ready. I’m ready to go’. Leaving the Army, I thought I was ready, but I underestimated how overwhelming it can be to leave behind an institution that has reached into every part of your life. I was tired after continuous tours and although I loved the Army, that fatigue prompted my decision to leave. I was excited about moving on to my new posting in ‘civvy street’. Except that was exactly the problem. I was treating ‘civvy street’ as a posting. I should have realised that it was so much more than that; it wasn’t a

posting, it was the rest of my life. And although I thought I was, I wasn’t ready. Without taking time to evaluate what is important to you, you may well make decisions that you then find yourself reversing several years later. When you leave the Forces, you have decisions to make in every area of your life, from what you’re going to do, to where you’re going to live, to who you are going to be, to what is going to keep you smiling. This can be daunting and there is a real temptation just to take the first thing that comes along and go from there. Fine but when there are so many parts of your life all changing at once, the domino effect can be incredibly destabilising, not to mention the fact that as military or exmilitary we will inevitably give ourselves a hard time for not getting it right in the first place! This is where a coach comes in. Whether you are resettling into ‘civvy street’, rebuilding your future, or whether you have been out for several years and are now rethinking

parts of your life, then coaching can support you. Coaching is all about you, your future and designing your life moving forwards. It is about imagining the possibilities, identifying the opportunities, planning, goal setting, conﬁdence-building, visualising what success looks like for you and making positive, enduring change. It is about feeling in control and being excited about the future again. So if you are resettling, rebuilding or rethinking and want to be ready for the next stage in your life, please email sarah@strongcoaching.co.uk. I would love to hear your story and support your next chapter. If you would like to know more about Sarah’s personal experiences on leaving the Army then they can be found in her blog: givingmyselfabreak.blogspot.co.uk Website: www.iamstrongcoaching.co.uk

I AM STRONG COACHING AND MENTORING Do you need support making the move into Civvy Street? Is the fact that every area of your life is changing overwhelming you? Do you want to write that CV and get that interview, that job? Are you ready to explore possibilities, set goals and plan your future? I AM STRONG COACHING (ex-military) can support you to design and Be Your new Life with conﬁdence. For more information or to book your ﬁrst session contact:

email | Sarah@strongcoaching.co.uk

• twitter | @iamstrongcoach • website | www.iamstrongcoaching.co.uk

*For those wishing to purchase coaching sessions as presents for others then gift token sets are available

58 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

SIGHT LOSS

Mike Newman, Land Speed Record Holder for a Blind person speaks with Joanne Nattress Editor of Fight Through Magazine about his achievements.

ike Newman was born with glaucoma. By the age of 7 his sight had all but disappeared. Although Mike is not a veteran, his story is no less inspirational. His achievements are sure to inspire any person and hopefully encourage people with sight issues. As a young boy Mike wanted to be a racing driver, he was mad keen on motorsport. Due to his vision, the likelihood of this dream becoming a reality was very slim. Mike longed to see how it felt traveling at speed and being in control. Finally, in 2003, Mike got his wish and, with help and support from friends, family and supporters Mike finally took to the race track. “Racing around the track I felt I could do anything. It was very exciting. It was also humbling because of the amount of time and effort people put in to help me achieve my dream”. Mike has driven everything from motorcycles, to four wheels, six wheels and power boats. He has even taken to the air, achieving the world record for the most loop the loops in close formation. Mike defied all the odds and he definitely caught the speed bug. He has driven cars up to a top speed of 204 MPH (average speed of 200.5 for the record), Power boats at 93 MPH and has recently, at RAF Elvington in York, achieved a Racing Lorry speed record which he drove at 120MPH!. Mike is the land speed world record holder for a person with sight loss.

So how can Mike achieve these speeds when he has no sight? “I have a radio link direct to my navigator who is in the chase vehicle behind me. He gives me directions and key information all the way round the track” You would think the bond of trust between Mike and his navigator must have taken time to achieve, but when I ask this Mike said “No not at all, I have always had to trust my guide dog, so it was not an issue for me”. Mike and his team have a vision to inspire disabled people and partially sighted people, along with able bodied friends and family to achieve their driving dreams. To experience the thrill of speed of driving around the race track in a safe environment, they have set up Speed of Sight, a charity that all the family can enjoy. “What we do is allow the disabled person to drive themselves around the track next to a qualified instructor, and then the family members can get involved, many choosing to go round blindfolded.The feedback is amazing as they all bond together experiencing the same thrill.” Friends and family also learn how to listen and follow instructions in a completely different way, and gain an understanding of what it feels like to be blind. Speed of Sight not only have track cars but also off road vehicles. These track experience days will give all who give it a go, a massive thrill, sense of achievement along with a huge boost in self-confidence and the proof that anything is possible!

“

Racing around the Track, I felt I could do anything, it was very exciting. However it was also humbling because of the amount of time and effort people put in to help me achieve my dream "

TRAVEL

VisitEngland launches Access for All campaign

isitEngland, the national tourist board, is today launching a new Access for All campaign, aimed to raise awareness of accessible destinations and businesses in England; informing disabled people of accommodation and visitor attractions when planning a day trip or holiday. Following a successful pilot project in 2013/14, with four destinations; VisitEngland accessed funding from the European Commission to expand the Access for All initiative, with a grant of €125,000. For the past year VisitEngland has been working with seven local destination partners across the country, to create a series of access guides covering coastal, countryside and city destinations. These include: Visit Kent, Marketing Birmingham, Visit Lincoln, Northumberland Tourism, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, Experience Nottinghamshire,Visit Brighton 56 businesses are involved in the project; including a mix of accommodation and attractions such as Lincoln Cathedral, Brighton & Hove Buses, Chatsworth House, Turner Contemporary, Hotel La Tour, Vindolanda Roman Fort and Nottingham Belfry amongst many others. The businesses involved

have worked hard to make changes – focusing on positive action - to improve perceptions of Accessible England. VisitEngland research highlights that the overnight accessible tourism market is now worth £3billion to the English economy, with day visits bringing the figure up to £12.1 billion. Over the past few years overnight trips by disabled travellers and their companions have increased by 19% with spend up by 33%. The Purple Pound presents tourism businesses and destinations with a huge opportunity for economic growth. New figures from VisitEngland confirm an approximate value of overnight accessible tourism to the destinations involved: Kent: £60m, Birmingham: £50m, Lincoln: £9m, Northumberland: £65m, Derbyshire: £45m, Nottinghamshire: £30m, Brighton and Hove: £14m Some of the great initiatives include those introduced by Brighton & Hove Buses (part of the Go-Ahead group) which provides wheelchair access to 100% of their fleet. They are trialling the use of hearing loop systems on a bus; have a Helping Hand yellow card scheme; offer a wheelchair taxi guarantee if someone cannot get onto the bus and have many innovations to help disabled visitors use their buses.

60 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

VisitEngland, Chief Executive James Berresford, said: “The accessible tourism market is worth a sizable £12.1 billion to the English economy and many tourism businesses are realising that catering for disabled customers is not only a necessity but a wise investment that brings a host of business benefits. Many of the changes businesses make may be small, but combined contribute significantly to the visitor experience.” The Access for All project has consisted of two phases: product development, where businesses receive direct support to improve their accessibility with the help of access advisors, and a national consumer marketing campaign launching today. The tourism businesses are being directly supported as part of the project to improve their accessibility. Accommodation and attractions have been audited by a professional access advisor and many have received a mystery visit from guests with accessibility requirements. A training course was held in each destination for accessibility champions and customerfacing staff have completed online disability awareness training. Businesses also received personal feedback on their Access Statement, improving information detailing their accessibility.

TRAVEL

• 8 accessible luxury lakeside lodges in Devon • 5 Caravan Club CL pitches with electric hook up • Well stocked 1.5 acre coarse fishing lake • Heated indoor pool (April-October) • Games room and Free WiFi • Orchard and woodland walk • Dogs welcome

01409 211140 info@blagdonfarm.co.uk www.blagdonfarm.co.uk

     

   -

 



Yasuhiro Kotera, Academic Lead in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychology at the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL).

PTSD IN THE MILITARY: Cognitive Approaches to Treatment

arfare and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are highly related to each other, although it is only as recently as 1980 that PTSD was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). During World War I the symptoms of PTSD were called ‘shell shock’. Back then there was much less understanding of PTSD and other mental health issues, leading to many soldiers suffering from shell shock to be killed for not following orders. The number of these unfortunate deaths in the UK during WWI is estimated to be over 300. PTSD is an anxiety disorder developed after a very stressful event or prolonged traumatic experience. Among adults in England who have experienced a traumatic incident, PTSD is estimated to affect 1 in every 3. In most cases the symptoms of PTSD develop during the first month after the traumatic experience. There are three categories of symptoms: re-experiencing, avoidance and emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. The first symptom, re-experiencing, makes those affected feel as if they are experiencing the traumatic experience again. I remember one of my war veteran clients who started to scream when he smelled oil at a crisis unit in San Francisco. The smell of oil triggered him to his traumatic experience and he reexperienced it. Emotional numbing is a symptom which

makes you lose interest in important activities and feel empty towards positive emotions, whereas avoidance is a symptom where you try to avoid anything that’s related to the traumatic experience. Some war veterans with PTSD avoid watching news on TV because it may include war stories and images. Hyper-aroused clients have difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and high irritability. Biologically, the hippocampus in our brain is the key, as PTSD is related to memory and emotions. PTSD patients show a smaller hippocampus which causes the flashbacks and nightmares of the re-experiencing symptom. They also show high adrenaline levels. With high adrenaline, patients create a fight-andflight reaction, numbing their senses and leading to emotional numbing and hyperarousal. Usually psychotherapy and medications are the most common intervention for severe PTSD. As for the effective psychological interventions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most used approaches. CBT practitioners think that problems are created by our cognition: how we interpret experience. Therefore, in CBT sessions your psychotherapist helps you to identify your thoughts about an event with an aim of encouraging you to take a different perspective to the same event in order to change how you feel. For example, you tend to think that if something bad happens, it is your fault. One day you walk into the office, and your colleagues look frustrated. You feel guilty to see their faces, as you interpret it as your

62 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

fault. In CBT-based sessions, your therapist may ask you about your thoughts. You may say ‘My colleagues look frustrated. It must be something I have done.’ The therapist may ask ‘How so?’, ‘What makes you think that way?’, and perhaps suggest to you some alternative perspectives such as ‘It could be they had a bad day yesterday’ or ‘It could be they received unpleasant news’. To do this easily, I would like to introduce the ABC (DE) model. ‘A’ stands for an ‘activating event’, ‘B’ for ‘beliefs’, and ‘C’ for ‘consequences’. The above case, ‘A’ would be your colleagues looking frustrated, and ‘C’ would be you feeling guilty. From A and C, you can figure out ‘B’ would be ‘I must have done something bad’. Once you can identify those, you can start to dispute (D). You may want to say ‘How is that my fault that they looking frustrated?’, ‘How bizarre is that?’ Then you can think about ‘E’, ‘Effective new beliefs’, that discerns your colleague looking frustrated and your behaviour, such as ‘It is not my fault that they look frustrated’ or ‘I don’t have to take responsibility for everyones feelings’. Among many CBT-based approaches, exposure therapy is often used for PTSD. In this approach, often you will be guided to be exposed to the traumatic experience by your therapist. Your therapist will create a safe environment and let you remember the traumatic experience. By practicing going back to the traumatic memory, you will start to eliminate your automatic emotional reaction to the traumatic experience, in turn being able to manage your PTSD reactions better. In major psychotherapy viewpoints, it is considered that PTSD is developed in order to save your life. PTSD patients have experienced something life-threatening, so their brains are wired to react drastically in order to save their lives. Isn’t it strange and fascinating how our brains’ life-saving function can become a problem? At UDOL we hope to help by educating more people in psychology, cognitive behavioural studies and counselling. We can help both veterans and serving military personnel develop their understanding of psychology to enhance their career and personal development within or outside the military setting through accredited programmes delivered entirely online. So wherever in the world you are based, you can take a degree or a postgraduate qualification in psychology, CBT or indeed in one of our other topics, such as ergonomics, environmental health or business management.

To find out more about how you could develop your career visit www.derby.ac.uk/online. The University of Derby is an approved ELC provider (number 1276).

READY TO ENHANCE YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS? Develop your skills and increase your employability with a recognised University qualification The University of Derby Online Learning is one of the UK’s leading providers of online distance learning. We provide structured and supported undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and short courses that can be studied part time online from anywhere in the world. Online learning offers you a flexible way of completing a University qualification both during and after your military service, equipping you with the practical skills and knowledge to further your career.

Ready to find out more?

Choose from a wide range of courses in subject areas including:

• • • • • • • • •

Accounting and Finance Business and Management Computing and IT Counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Environmental Sciences Health and Social Care Hospitality Management Professional Engineering Psychology and Ergonomics

Call: +44(0)1332 594000 or Email: OnlineAdmissions@derby.ac.uk Whether you’re starting out, moving up or starting again WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE

www.derby.ac.uk/military

DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION

''HELP US TO HELP THEM FIGHT BACK’’

roup Captain Sir Douglas Bader was commissioned as an officer in the R A F in 1930 but after only 18 months he crashed his aeroplane and became a double amputee caused by “my own fault”, in 1931. Douglas was discharged from the RAF and after the outbreak of the Second World War, re-joined the RAF as a disabled pilot. Douglas was a member of 222 Squadron and was promoted to lead 242 Squadron. His skill as an aviator and contribution as an outstanding leader and fighter ace during WW2, along with his continuous attempts to escape prisoner of war camp after he was shot down, were immortalised in the book and film ‘Reach for the Sky‘. Douglas Bader’s courage over adversity as a double amputee, fighting for his Country, a leader by example, a global campaigner for the disadvantaged, became an inspiration for able bodied and disabled. Bader’s ‘Inspiration’ continues in the form of The Douglas Bader Foundation (www.douglasbaderfoundation.com) established by his family immediately following his death in 1982 at the age of 72. The Douglas Bader Foundation has enabled us to continue this inspiration – providing a wide range of support initiatives and information to the limb loss community.2016 will be our 34th Anniversary. ‘A disabled person who fights back is not disabled…but inspired.’ Is Douglas’ maxim that the charitable foundation seeks to continue.

THE DOUGLAS BADER GRANT SCHEME-

Provides practical support for the pursuance of achievements by those with disabilities. This initiative has assisted countless disabled individuals and groups throughout the UK to achieve a variety of goals in diverse areas ranging from education, the arts, sport and recreation to small businesses.

BADER INFORMATION FOR LIMBLOSS-

“

A disabled person who fights back is not disabled ... but inspired. "

64 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Is a central resource information section within our website for amputees, their families and friends, carers and healthcare professionals. Working closely with charities, associations and organisations that assist and provide services or products to amputees, we aim to join up the support and information services currently offered to best pool resources and serve amputees in the most efﬁcient and purposeful way.

BADER BRAVES-

Supports children with limb loss and other physical disabilities by offering unique experiences and improving life-skills to increase confidence. This year with the help of Flying Clubs and the RAF we have organised 10 Flying Days around Great Britain giving these children their first experience of flying in light aircraft; two Activity week-ends with the Calvert Trust facilities and Go Karting. The Douglas Bader Foundation has always acknowledged the importance of the children’s families and carers and, in supporting the children, also aims to benefit those people involved in their lives.

TEAM BADER-

Enabling amputees and other disabled and able bodied to participate in Fund Raising Sporting and Other Activities.

WRITTEN BY:

DAVID BICKERS CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOUNDER TRUSTEE, SON IN LAW OF DOUGLAS AND JOAN BADER www.douglasbaderfoundation.com

The benefits for amputees and other disabled people taking part in sport have long been known

Team Bader and supporters

DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION CAN HELP YOU ON YOUR WAY PHYSICALLY – Fitness aids healing and rehabilitation after amputation and other operations and is, of course, beneficial for circulation and the health of mind and body generally. PSYCHOLOGICALLY – The sense of well-being that goes with exercise and physical fitness induces feelings of satisfaction and self-worth. Achieving success or simply improvement in a new sport or as a new amputee in a known sport is a great confidence-booster. SOCIALLY – Getting involved with a sport almost invariably means meeting other people and training and (hopefully laughing!) with them is a great way to make new and, often, like-minded friends and contacts. This can be particularly true if training or competing as part of a team. As well as supporters running in Marathons and Half-Marathons on behalf of the charity we have TEAM BADER CYCLING, initiated by two of our Ambassadors, Margaret Biggs and Wyn Jenkins, both amputee cyclists. Please contact us for more information or if you’d like to join or initiate an Event for TEAM BADER.

30 years of inspiration

Please note that funds raised from these Events will go towards helping the DBF to continue its valuable work on behalf of amputees and other disabled.

douglasbaderfoundation.com Registered Charity Number 800435

TEAM BADER

CLASSIFIEDS

Incredible Drawings by Karl Nash: Please contact me if you would like a commissioned piece of artwork or simply more information about my work.

www.incredibledrawings.com incredibledrawings@gmail.com

NOW DELIVERED ACROSS THE UK

BABE - Edinburgh Napier University’s Innovative one year top up degree Entry requirements for BA Business and Enterprise include the vocational qualiﬁcations that go with forces rank, Personnel of Chief Petty Ofﬁcer, Staff Sergeant, Flight Sergeant equivalent and above are eligible for direct entry* • Students attend local monthly workshops • Registered for ELCs, balance payable over 6 months

More details at:

www.courses.napier.ac.uk/BusinessandEnterprise_OffCampus__W30015.htm Or email BABE administrator Suzanne Smith - su.smith@napier.ac.uk *Personnel below this rank may still qualify and Military Civil Servants with 2 years’ management experience are also likely to be eligible, contact to check.

e Royal Hampstead Education Fund DO YOU NEED HELP WITH FEES FOR ANY SCHOOL, COLLEGE, OR UNIVERSITY IN THE UK e Royal Hampstead Education Fund provides nancial assistance to help with the education and training of the dependents

Our main activities at KRAFTWERK Europe AG are the design, development, production, import, export, marketing and distribution of high-quality tools for professional and industrial use.

(up to the age of 25 years of age) of members or ex-members of the UK Armed Forces For over 150 years we have helped to provide betterment through education for thousands of the needy dependent children of members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force. If you require assistance with fees for any school, college, or university in the UK, please visit our website and follow the steps outlined to have your request considered by our grants committee.

Get in touch for more information: Max Spooner - T: (0)7735 036141 E: max@kraftwerktoolsonline.co.uk W: www.kraftwerktools.co.uk Facebook: KraftwerkToolsUK

LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN MARITIME SECURITY? Ambrey Risk is the leading international Private Maritime Security Company, providing a range of security services to commercial shipping and the oil and gas sector throughout the world. Why should you choose Ambrey Risk?

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Our deployed teams are drawn from all sectors of H M Forces Delivering the essential City & Guilds Level 3 MSO, Highfield First Aid at Work incorporating FPOSi, City & Guilds Level 3 Education & Training and Highfield Port & Terminal Security Risk Management. Other qualifications include FPOSi and the Maritime Coastguard agency STCW95 (All four Modules) High percentage of candidates who pass our MSO course are immediately put forward for deployment opportunities Offering Continued Professional Development with opportunities for promotion Flexible work patterns

Tel: +44 (0) 203 503 0340 • Email: recruitment@ambreyrisk.com

www.ambreyrecruitment.com

66 I FIGHT THROUGH I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

soldierscharity.org

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the British Army’s National Charity since 1944. We help thousands of soldiers, former soldiers and their families each year. It is thanks to the continued support of people like you that we are able to be there, year after year, for all those who need us.

Text ARMY8 to 70004 and send us a £3 donation. Increase your donation by texting ARMY8 £5 or ARMY8 £10.* Thank you for your kind support.

*Text costs your donation amount plus network charge. ABF The Soldiers’ Charity receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payer’s permission. Customer care 020 7901 8900

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01472 566 566

terrainhopper@live.co.uk