After a long battle with Complex PTSD and lower back trauma, Army veteran Scott will be representing Team UK at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
Scott served as a Communications Systems Operator in the British Army in the Royal Signals for 14 years, having followed in his father’s footsteps into the military. He loved being a part of military life, spending eight and a half years in Germany and also conducting two tours of Afghanistan.
His second deployment to Afghanistan proved to be an incredibly challenging experience, and he was medically discharged in 2019 due to struggling with complex PTSD.
Sleepless nights became the norm and so it was a very problematic and traumatic ordeal all round for me.
Life in the Armed Forces
During his first tour of Afghanistan, Scott had many new experiences travelling around different locations around the capital Kabul.
However, on his return during his second tour, his experience was completely different due to the little training he received.
“It was a very kinetic tour of duty, and the amount of activity was just off the scale. Nothing could have prepared me for that. Being posted with the infantry as well, which I had not experienced before, meant it was very full on and there were a lot of elements that made it very difficult."
After he returned home, the sleepless nights continued. He experienced anxiety around loud noises and would often dive off the bed and hide under it.
To cope with his struggles, Scott began to drink.
“I was in a very dark place, and I just didn’t seem to be able to get the support I desperately needed at the time.
"I also went through some personal trauma in my home life, and I was just ready to give up. I felt that the Army didn’t want me anymore and once discharged I felt completely lost and didn’t want to be around.”
Journey to recovery
At his lowest point, Scott began treatment for C-PTSD and found solace in playing golf with fellow veterans, a lifeline that helped him regain focus.
He credits On Course Foundation with saving his life, which supports the recovery of injured and sick service personnel and veterans through golf events and opportunities for employment in the golf industry.
Finding Christ has been the most important and transformative stage of his recovery. Through his church community, he also met his fiancée, now wife, and life has begun to look far brighter for Scott.
"I thank God for this amazing opportunity to represent my country again and hopefully inspire others with my recovery journey."
Selection for the Invictus Games
With such a transformational few years, Scott was encouraged to apply for Invictus by a friend at On Course Foundation, who had competed previously.
At the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 he will participate in Biathlon, Indoor Rowing, Sitting Volleyball and Skeleton, and we are proudly supporting his journey.
“After having such a rough time over the past few years, having things turn around and now being part of Team UK is more than I could have dreamed of!" says Scott.
The RBL is supporting Scott and the rest of Team UK, through the entire process of the Games, by providing funding for coaching, training, supporting their ongoing recovery, and delivering them and their families to the Games.
