Gemma served for over 15 years in the Army and RAF as a Physiotherapy Officer. She loved her job, but two serious leg injuries in the space of 18 months brought about a premature ending to her military career.
Having been selected for Team UK as a Vice Captain, Gemma is looking to rebuild her confidence as a leader, try new adaptive sports and connect with other veterans.
During her service, Gemma was posted to Headley Court where she worked in the complex trauma and neuro departments, overseeing the rehabilitation of severely injured medical personnel.
“It was really difficult seeing them coming back from Afghanistan with such life changing injuries, but being able to make a positive impact to their lives and levels of function was priceless.”
Whilst on an adventure training ski expedition with the RAF in 2016, Gemma sustained a severe leg injury which required extensive surgery. 18 months later, she was involved in an accident whilst on exercise, sustaining further significant damage to her leg. This resulted in her being medically discharged.
"As soon as I had the second injury I knew straight away- It was a heart sinking moment and I thought: I’m not going to be able to come back from this.
"My medical discharge was the darkest period of my life, everything seemed to go wrong all at once."
Gemma can no longer participate in the sports she once loved, like netball, athletics and climbing. Combined with being unable to continue the job and career she had worked so hard for, this had a profound impact on her.
Gemma has found the transition into civilian life difficult at times, particularly as she was discharged in 2020, just as the pandemic hit. She now works as a physio in the community, treating people with conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke and dementia.
