RAF veteran Pete on how RBL are supporting him to use adaptive sport to aid his recovery after his discharge from the Armed Forces.
Pete served as an Intelligence Analyst in the RAF for 23 years and was deployed on several tours including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo.
In 2015, Pete began experiencing hip problems, which remained undiagnosed for nearly a year. Things spiralled as he experienced ongoing health difficulties, and he was eventually discharged from the RAF.
Being discharged from the military with no job or income, meant I was in a dark place.
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Pete's Health Battle
In 2015, Pete began experiencing hip problems, which remained undiagnosed for nearly a year. He was eventually diagnosed with a labral tear, and though surgery provided temporary relief, the pain soon returned.
As the pain worsened, he became nearly immobile. Imaging later revealed he had Necro Femur and wear-and-tear fractures.
In early 2020, Pete underwent a hip replacement which extended to the knee, resulting in nerve damage, loss of feeling and one leg shorter than the other.
“We went straight into a COVID lockdown after my surgery, so I had no rehab. I had to learn to walk again on my own. This, coupled with being discharged from the military and no job or income, meant I was in a dark place.”
Selection for Team UK
Pete was encouraged to apply for the Invictus Games by two ex-Team UK competitors, after a challenging few years dealing with his injury, family health crises and a cancer scare.
"I play WC rugby league with two ex-Invictus Games competitors, and they encouraged me to re-apply this year, given the positive experiences they’d recently had at the Games.
"I was buzzing when I finally got the call to say I’d been selected. I’m still on a massive high; it’s been hard keeping it all under wraps."
A major challenge in Pete's recovery has been the lack of access to adaptive sports in his area.
"Where we are based in Norfolk, there is literally nothing in terms of adaptive sports and that's probably one of the hardest things I've had to deal with since my injury."
With support from RBL, he’ll have the chance to re-engage with the sports he loves through the Invictus Games.
“This will be a great way to connect with like-minded people.
“If I can bring back learnings from the Games and try to get more adaptive sports happening in Norfolk that’ll be a bonus!”
The team has been training at the RBL’s Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, where adaptive sports and adventure activities are used to boost confidence and improve mental health and wellbeing.
Access to adaptive sports and the chance to compete in the Invictus Games are just some of the ways the RBL supports the wounded, injured, and sick in the Armed Forces community. This helps individuals in their recovery, whether returning to Service duty or making a smooth transition to civilian life.
It won’t be about the medals for me, it will be about enjoying the experience.
