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Becky leaning on her bike, smiling towards the camera. She is wearing a blue Invictus Games Team UK tracksuit and is smiling at the camera. Behind her we can see a background of trees.
  1. Stories

Invictus Games: Becky’s story

Becky served in the Armed Forces for 15 years and her selection to take part in the Invictus Games has played a crucial role in reigniting her love for sports after sustaining a serious hip injury. 

Becky, an accomplished pianist and clarinet player, dedicated 15 years of her life to the Royal Marines Band Service. 

Becky playing the piano, dressed in her Royal Marines Band Service uniform. To the left of her we can see a big harp, and in front of her we can see other members of the band playing various instruments. The setting is a darkly lit concert hall.
Becky with the Royal Marines Band Service

Throughout her military career, she had the privilege of playing at a wide range of important events, including the 2012 Olympics, and the Royal Wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales. 

 

"We were the first people to play the national anthem to them after they got married. It was an incredible day and highlight of my career. I'll never forget marching down The Mall," says Becky.

Whether performing solo, as part of a small jazz group, or alongside an orchestra, Becky always took immense pride in her work. 


Photo of Becky during military exercise. She is dressed in combat clothes and looks like she is trying to pull herself up on a ledge. A colleague next to her, also dressed in combat clothes, is holding her head.
Becky training with colleagues.

Progressive injury

However, whilst completing a promotional exercise, Becky incurred a hip injury which eventually got worse over time.  

Becky training with colleagues.

“I damaged my hip and it took over a year and a half to establish a diagnosis, by which time there was a lot of damage, both physically and mentally.  

“I had to do a lot of rehab, I struggled to walk for about a year. I was struggling to walk much more than a few minutes and often dragged my leg behind me.

 

"I had my first surgery, which improved it a lot but didn't fix it. So, a year later I went back for another operation and as a consequence of the injury I've got early onset arthritis in my hip.

 

“I've had the bones reshaped and it's now something that I have to manage every day,” she says. 

 

Becky was eventually medically discharged from the Royal Marines in 2017. 

Photo of Becky alongside others from the Royal Marines Band service.
Becky as part of the Royal Marines Band Service

Recovery journey

Becky has always had a competitive fighting spirit and has never been one to let her injury stop her.  

“I got told by the consultants that I'd never walk properly again, and I walk on average between two and four miles a day now. 

 

“And I got told I'd struggle to have children and I've got a young daughter. And so, all of the things that they said I couldn't do, I've kind of proved them wrong.” 

 
The Invictus Games felt like another hurdle, giving Becky another shot to show herself that she could rely on her own strength and surpass her injury. 

Becky cycling alongside other cyclists on a track at an Invictus training camp. She is wearing full cycling gear and has a concentrated expression on her face.
Becky at one of the Invictus Games training camps

Selection for Invictus Games Düsseldorf

Finding out she’d been selected to represent Team UK at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 was a great moment for Becky.  

Becky at one of the Invictus Games training camps
It was just the challenge I needed, turning my injury into a positive.
Becky, her partner and their child standing in front of them. They are all dressed in swimsuits with swim caps on and are also wearing blue medals around their necks. Behind them we can see a swimming pool and the entryway to some showers. Becky standing in front of a red brick house, smiling and wearing a cycling helmet. In front of her we can see her partner and two children, also on bikes and wearing helmets. Photograph of Becky and her brother James. They are both dressed in their military uniforms. James is standing to attention, holding a sword and Becky is standing to attention playing a clarinet. Behind them we can see a brown fence and some trees.

"My injury has been quite a difficult journey and I've come to the other side of it and I've got a husband, kids and you know, that's all great. But the sports side of it was something I'd never found again. And the Games has given me this.”

She will be competing in powerlifting, cycling, indoor rowing and swimming.  

“Swimming was a big one for me,” she says. “That was a no brainer. I've always loved it. It's the one thing that even when I couldn't walk, I could still swim. 

“The power lifting was an interesting one because I've never tried it before and went on the camps and absolutely loved it straight away. 

“And then indoor rowing. I thought I could never do because of my hip, but I tried it on one of the camps and they've adjusted my position and my techniques slightly so that when I do it, I'm not in pain.” 

Besides being able to compete alongside her brother, who is captaining Team UK, Becky is hoping that having her parents, husband and girls on the side-lines will be a bonus.

 

“I’ve split my life into pre- and post-injury, but not understood the long-term impact of living a self-restricted life. I would like to introduce my husband and our family to the full version of myself and I believe the Invictus Games will be that catalyst for me.” 

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