April 2012 - Updates
A team of British Servicemen and women have flown out to the United States to take part as special guests in the Warrior Games, supported and funded by H4H.
The Warrior Games, an annual event hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), will see wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans compete in seven Paralympic sporting events from April 30 - May 5.
More than 200 people will take part in the 2012 Warrior Games and our UK squad of 21 will compete in five sports - archery, cycling, swimming, track & field and sitting volleyball.
Following the games, Prince Harry will attend a reception on May 7 at the British Ambassador's residence in Washington to meet members of the British and American Warrior Games teams.
Athletes from across the Armed Forces, as well as staff from Personnel Recovery Centres and Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court are among those flying out to the United States . The wounded personnel who will be taking part in the games include Private Pa Njie, Private Thomas Lawlor, Captain Simon Maxwell, Sergeant Colin Hamilton, Captain David Henson, Corporal Karl Hubberstey, Trooper Corie Mapp, Guardsman Apisalome Matiyavi, Miss Samantha Bowen, Lance Corporal Maurillia Simpson, Private Declan Hill, Corporal Claire Edwards and Private Scott Meenagh.
Bryn Parry, CEO & co-founder, Help for Heroes said: "We are delighted that Help for Heroes will support a UK team into such a high profile U.S. event. We know how important sport is in recovery and are delighted to have supported Battle Back since its inception in 2008. This is further enhanced through the Battle Back Phoenix programme which is available in the Personnel Recovery Centres for Service Personnel and veterans. Our participation in the Warrior Games is significant in raising awareness of the work that takes place worldwide in supporting wounded, injured and sick Service personnel, especially as we approach a busy year in sport."
The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards said: "The 2012 Wounded Warrior Games are a great opportunity for our wounded and injured service personnel to show off their sporting prowess and to demonstrate the fantastic rehabilitation they have received through sport. This will be the first time the UK has fielded a team in these games and this underlines the special relationship the UK and the US Armed Forces continue to share. I am proud to support the UK team and wish them the very best of luck for success in the Wounded Warrior Games."
The competition, hosted by the USOC and presented by Deloitte, is also supported by the Department of Defence, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, USO, Fisher House Foundation, The Daniels Fund, AT&T, BP, DeVry, Anheuser Busch and the Chobani.
March 2012 - Updates
Wounded Hero achieves sky-high hopes!
Wounded Hero Dave Rawlins (24), has become the first graduate of the Help for Heroes supported Battle Back program, to complete his full Private Pilot License with British Flying Charity Aerobility!
Dave was wounded during operations in Afghanistan during October 2008 and now suffers from a shattered right leg. After graduating with his full Private Pilot License, Dave is one step closer to beginning his career in aviation as an Air Traffic Controller.
The Battle Back scheme encourages those who have suffered serious injuries to play sports and try new activities in a sociable atmosphere, the work that Aerobility do is the perfect example of this and is made possible through funding from Help for Heroes.
Mike Miller-Smith, Chief Executive at Aerobility says: "Dave has worked phenomenally hard and this is a great result for him. Collectively Battle Back, Help for Heroes and Aerobility have been able to give him a great support network."
Bryn Parry, CEO and Co-Founder of Help for Heroes says: "Thank you to all of our amazing supports who all over the country are baking cakes, shaving heads, parachuting, walking, hiking, cycling and much much more to help us support this project. You have helped us to help heroes like Dave and the money you are raising is allowing us to put smiles back on the faces of the wounded men and women of our Armed Forces who at one point believed their lives would never be the same again."
Dave says: "After being injured you start a long process of recovery and for me at the time I thought mine was straight forward and I would be back on my feet in no time. After a few 3 week sessions at Headley Court things weren't going the way I planned and my injuries were more complex than first thought. This brought up the question if it was possible I could remain in the services and do my job.
After 2 years and not being able to progress with recovery or work, things weren't looking great until I had an email from Battle Back inviting me to come down for a trial flight with Aerobility. Battle Back said if I had what it takes they would support me to gain my Private Pilot's Licence. I've always been interested in flying and thought it was too good to miss!
Thankfully I was successful and started my flight training with Aerobility in June 2011. Since I started training with Aerobility it's given me something to focus on they have opened a door in my life which I would have never have gone through if it wasn't for the support they have all given me. Having a pilot's licence is fantastic- it's a feeling of freedom when you're up in the sky and I can't wait to take my girlfriend to France for lunch!
I would like to thank everyone who has raised money for Help for Heroes, if it wasn't for you this wouldn't have been possible. Also thanks to the fantastic team at Aerobility for what you have given me, I will always be truly grateful."
Massive congratulations to Dave from everyone at Help for Heroes!
Paralympic dreams now within reach for Mick Brennan
Wounded Hero Mick Brennan (33) received a state-of the-art sit-ski this week at the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre, Tedworth House in Tidworth, Wiltshire. The high tech sit-ski means Mick is a now step closer to representing Britain in the 2014 Winter Paralympics.
In November 2004, Mick was serving with the Royal Signals when he lost both his legs and suffered brain injury in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq. But since he first got on skis in 2008, he's been going from strength to strength. Mick recently placed 3rd at the Austrian National Championships and only a week later went on to win his first international race at the Italian National Champions. As a result, he is fast becoming one of the country's top disabled skiers.
Now Mick can ensure he reaches his full potential after a joint effort from Help for Heroes, Supacat (www.supacat.com), the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team (www.csdst.co.uk/) and NP Aerospace (www.np-aerospace.co.uk/) to provide him with the highest spec equipment. Mick's new rig is an off the shelf Nissin item purchased by Help for Heroes. This has then been adapted and re-engineered by Supacat, designers of the acclaimed Jackal vehicle, who have developed a custom built state of the art suspension system and conducted the systems integration. NP Aerospace, who manufacture the UK's composite helmets and body armour, have manufactured a custom fitted composite seat. The complete system will give Mick the performance and confidence he needs to push his results to the next level.
Mick says, "Knowing the public and my sponsors are supporting me gives me the biggest boost. It makes me so grateful to know their funding is giving me the opportunity to progress with a new career. When I was first injured, I thought I would be limited to desk jobs so to be out on the slopes and now training for the Paralympics is just incredible. Thank you so much to Help for Heroes, my sponsors and to everyone who has believed in me."
Mick cannot wait to put his new sit-ski through its paces week as he hits the slopes visiting a Battle Back ski course before a further training camp in Austria. Battle Back is a Military initiative supported by Help for Heroes, which uses Adaptive Adventure Training and Sports Rehabilitation to help seriously wounded Service personnel gain confidence and return to an active life.
Supporters can follow's Mick's Paralympic training on his Twitter account - @MonoSkiMick
February 2012 - Updates
Adaptive Winter Sports Programme
On 22nd January, thanks to the funds raised by the Great British Public, Battle Back were able to send eight of our wounded heroes to Canada to participate in an eight day adaptive winter sports programme.
Beginning in Whistler, the team conquered alpine & cross-country skiing, a biathlon, a snowmobiling adventure and a dog sledding tour. The winter sport concluded in Vancouver where the group tackled ice sledge hockey and wheelchair curling.
Throughout the trip team Battle Back were joined by their Canadian Counter-parts from ‘Soldier On’, who provide opportunities for ill or injured Canadian Forces personnel to get back to an active life.
During the programme, the teams generated a brilliant bit of international rivalry and while Soldier On took first place in the sledge hockey, Battle Back triumphed overall winning both the biathlon & curling events!
The trip provided the team with the unique opportunity to take part in all 5 Winter Paralympic sports in the inspiring location of the Winter Olympic & Paralympic sites.
A lasting impression was made on all those who took part, with one participant describing it as a once in a lifetime experience:
"I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved
with the winter multi activity trip to Canada. From the public who raised the money, the organisers for all their work, Help for Heroes and Battle Back, the guys out in Canada and finally everyone who actually went. We all had a wonderful time and it really was a once in a lifetime trip."
In addition to offering the group with new and exciting experiences, individuals forged new friendships while building confidence and self-reliance. The programme has also shown the huge potential of these men & women, perhaps even their future as our Paralympians.
January 2012 - Updates
One of the most important functions of Battle Back is to identify disabled men and women who may have a talent for particular sports and activities. Battle Back has strong links with the Paralympic Games and was created exactly 60 years to the day after the first Stoke Mandeville Games–frontrunner of today's Paralympic Games – were held.
Para-Canoe Talent ID Day
After two hard years of campaigning, Para-Canoeing has been announced as a Paralympic sport.
Para-Canoeing is a sport that distinguishes itself from other Paralympic sports because it is exactly like regular canoeing and gives people with various physical challenges the opportunity to enjoy the sport at all level.
The Power Canoe GB team were invited down to Tedworth for the day to put some of our guys through their paces, while spotting for new talent.
For Private Scott Meenagh, this was the chance to try the sport for the first time. Scott says, “Ever since I got wounded, Para-canoeing is sport that’s stuck out to me. I’ve lost both my legs now and I think that doing Canoeing, as soon as you sit down, you’re just like everybody else. It’d mean a lot to me to get something out of today.”
The Programme Manager of Power Canoe GB, Stephen Harris is ex-military himself and was lucky to go on to become a world champion. Stephen was hugely impressed with the talent on the day.
“The qualities 
that military personnel have, that discipline, dedication, commitment, they’re not afraid of hard work, those qualities and traits are ideal for high level sport. Because this is all very new, we haven’t had Para-canoeing in the Paralympics before; these guys are actually starting to set the bench-mark. They are very comparable, with what you would call ‘able-bodied’ athletes.”
The use of sport or outdoor activities has a proven track record to aid successful physical and psychological rehabilitation, providing the foundation for the development of a positive self-image and outlook on life.
Find out how the guys got on below:
August 2011 - Updates
Ice Sledge Hockey:
The Battle Back Bisons played in the final round of the inaugural league at Peterborough this weekend and despite not yet securing a win the team are making great progress. Training continues, thanks to Planet Ice in Basingstoke, and we hope to see more players convert from the recreational game to playing for the team on a more regular basis.Athletics:
On Saturday Pte Derek Derenalagi (Mercian) competed in a demonstration shot put seated throws event as an opener to the Diamond League event at Crystal Palace. Derek threw a PB of 11.55m, his first throw over 11m in competition and well ahead of the UKA "A' standard of 10.7m - this throw would place Derek 7th in the IPC rankings but there is still a long way to go with the top 5 athletes all throwing well over 13 metres. Derek and several other wounded servicemen have been nominated to carry the Olympic Torch in 2012.Cycling:
Cpl Tel Byrne (Para) and and Jon-Allan Butterworth (ex RAF) both competed in the national 10 mile TT championships - this is not their event but does help maintain their competitive edge as they prepare for the World Track Championships in 2012.Rowing:
Great article from Nick Beighton that we could all learn something from http://www.insideworldparasport.biz/bigread/9547-nick-beighton-is-not-just-a-survivor-he-is-a-competitorOpen Water Swimming:
The Army Swimming Association (ASA) organised a relay race around the island of Jersey (almost 40 miles) this week.Bolton Ironman Triathlon:
Royal Marine Joe Townsend, bilateral above knee amputee, completed the Bolton Ironman in an incredible 12hrs and 56mins. Find out more about the ironman team at: http://www.truespirit.org.uk/
Take a look at Mne Joe Townsend (Royal Marine), SAC Mike Goody (RAF) and Tpr Clifford O'Farrell (Army) at on the BBC iPlayer at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14351814
You can also read more about Joe here.
Huge congratulations to all involved and a special thanks to the guys at the US Military Paralympic Programme, which is probably where Joe started to get his fighting spirit back (San Diego - Oct 2009) - the picture of Joe in the day chair with a hand cycle, in the article, was taken at that camp and who could of guessed what Joe would do next! By the way, Joe is a Royal Marine so may be a little bit annoyed as being referred to as a "soldier" - he will just have to get over it!
Athletics:
SSgt Matt Raasch-Sotinwa (RE) has now achieved the B standard in the 100m, setting a new PB of 14.47, for the second time this weekend. Pte Derek Derenalagi (Mercian) threw a PB in the discus (42.33m) beating the current GB No 1, who also threw a PB, into second place - this throw ranks Derek number 4 in the world in the F57 class.July 2011 - Updates
Athletics:
Derek Derenalai (Mercian), Matt Raasch-Sotinwa (RE) and Kushal Limbu (Gurkha) competed over the weekend in Bedford. Matt ran in the 100m and 200m events but due to a recent injury and some shocking weather conditions he did not perform as well as he had expected but, as ever, remains optimistic and is looking forwards not backwards. Kushal competed as a T42 athlete in the 100m and finished in a new PB of 12.88 seconds after a poor start - this is just .33 of a second off the UK Athletics "B" standard and places him 8th in the IPC rankings and is just over 0.5 of a second off the "A" standard - he started sprinting at the end of 2010. Derek competed in the Discus event and managed to throw 16cm over the UK Athletics "B" standard for his classification. All 3 athletes will be competing in their next championship event at Stoke Mandeville at the end of the month.Sailing:
Rifleman Craig Wood (Rifles) competed in his first regatta this month, the IFDS World Sailing Championships so no pressure, just a few days after taking over a new 2.4m boat that was purchased by H4H. Craig is showing incredible promise but there will be a lot more training to fit in between now and Rio in 2016 if he is to achieve his dream goal.Triathlon:
Mne Joe Townsend completed the Cotswold Half Iron Man Triathlon Triathlon two weeks ago and will be competing in a Full Ironman event in Burnley, with several more Battle Backers, at the end of the month. Read more about this astonishing group of athletes at: www.truespirit.org.uk/index.htmlSitting Volleyball:
Battle Backer Netra Rana (Gurkha) played again for GB in the ECVD Continental Cup last week. Netra demonstrated some elegant setting and was key to GB winning a historic victory over the USA and this led to GB finishing in 7th place - the USA finished 8th. Read the GB v USA match report at: www.volleyballengland.org/News.php?articleId=2092Open Water Swimming:
The Army Swimming Association (ASA) organised a relay race around the island of Jersey (almost 40 miles) this week - I am awaiting some news and will send out more of an update when I here from the ASA.Golf:
Battle Back Golf goes from strength to strength and continues to draw considerable support from the Golf Industry and Media: www.telegraph.co.uk/active/8622539/Golf-for-heroes.htmlSledge Hockey:
It would be fair to say that the team are still developing but but we have got a few stars who are drawing attention from the GB Coach.. At our last event Battle Backer Tyler Christopher was awarded the Man of the Match Trophy.Kenya Safari Marathon:
It's the second year we have entered a team into this event, whcih will be subject of a seperate report later this month, and we had more Battle Backers take on the full and half marathons.May 2011 - Updates
Adaptive Rowing
Read more at the British Rowing website here.
Athletics
Matt Raasch-Sotinwa (SSgt RE) has been on the campaign trail this month to make the qualifying standards for the 100m and 200m sprint events, in his classification for the Paralympic Games. His hard work has paid off and despite the strong headwinds at both events Matt achieved PBs in both events and met the "B Standard". Ever the realist, Matt appreciates that this is not yet good enough for him to be selected for London but he continues to train hard and will compete in more events in June.Wheelchair Basketball
Kirsty Wallace (nee Archibald) was part of the GB Wheelchair Basketball team that lifted the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester last week when GB beat world No.2 seeds, Germany. Read Kirsty's heartwarming story at the Daily Record website here.Sitting Volleyball
Netra Rana (LCpl 1RGR) played for GB at the PT Paralympic World Cup last week.Sitting Volleyball was a demonstration event this year and you can find out more (Nick and Kirsty also feature) in this BFBS sports roundup.
Golf
Golf features regularly on the BB programme and here is one example of Battle Backers playing golf that appeared online this week: read more at the Kent Online website here.
Sledge Hockey
Read more at the Daily Mirror website here.
Swimming
Open water swimming has been a feature of Battle Back's inclusive sports programme since 2009 when a team of 3 Battle Backers swam across the English Channel in a race against able-bodied teams from the RN, Army and RAF. The BB open water squad have just completed a training camp in Gibraltar and are about to take on their next challenge - a swim around the island of Jersey. Watch the video at YouTube here.Battle Backers prepare to swim around the channel with their able bodied colleagues - Watch a video here.
C4 TV
Arthur Williams (ex RM) had his first big test as the "lead anchor" for Channel 4 at the BT Paralympic World Cup. His efforts were broadcast live on the internet and he did not look out of place alongside his co-presentors, Paralympians Tanni Grey-Thompson and Danny Crates.
You can watch Arthur's journey on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5xckLU2UJI and www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMbIPEZn6Qg.
Battle Back join forces with Aerobility
On the 11th of January, Help for Heroes spent the day with wounded servicemen from 'Battle Back', as they took to the skies after instruction from British Flying Charity 'Aerobility'. The Battle Back scheme encourages those who have suffered serious injuries to play sports and try new activities in a sociable atmosphere, the work that Aerobility do is the perfect example of this and is made possible through funding from Help for Heroes.
The day offered the wounded the opportunity to experience something that wouldn’t normally be possible, the chance to fly a light aircraft. Major Dougie Peters, Battle Back, says: “To all those who have raised money for Help for Heroes to support this project, I would like to say thank you. You have helped to put grins back on the faces of men and women who, not that long ago, thought their lives would never be the same again.”
Battle Back News and Achievements Archive
