How did you get into wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby?

I went on a veteran’s course with the British legion back in 2017 and while there I did half a day of wheelchair basketball. I enjoyed the sport especially being able to get back to doing team sports again, which is something I hadn’t felt able to do since I was injured. From that point I joined my local club and began the process of learning the game and how to play.

In 2022 I felt confident enough to apply for the Invictus games in wheelchair basketball and was delighted to be selected to represent the UK. During the selection process I tried wheelchair rugby and found that my agility and speed from basketball gave me an advantage in wheelchair rugby too, so I was selected to compete in rugby as well. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take up this offer of selection as I didn’t have a custom chair for myself.

It was this that gave me the idea to apply for funding through CSSC’s disability support fund. I’m so grateful to have received some help from CSSC to help fund a specialist rugby wheelchair, which are extremely expensive. With a new chair I hope to be invited back and to compete in the future.

How did you first find you had a passion and skill for wheelchair basketball and rugby?

I used to compete in skiing in the army when I was younger and played rugby in the army too. It was a huge knock to my confidence when I was injured, as I could no longer compete in the sports I loved. So, when I first tried basketball, it was a brilliant feeling to be able to do team sports again in an adapted way for my disability. It was that feeling that spurred me on to spend a lot of time learning the basics of the sport and eventually improving to my current level and getting selected to represent the UK at the Invictus games.

What is it about basketball and rugby you enjoy the most?

It’s the camaraderie in the team, and the competition itself that I find really freeing, plus the fact that I can compete again with others who have a similar skill level.

What’s it like competing internationally representing your country?

It’s an amazing feeling, being able to go out again and wear the UK flag on my chest is phenomenal. I never thought I’d get the chance after being injured, so it’s something special. Plus, I got to meet some amazing likeminded people from around the world who although we were rivals, I had some great fun with on the court.

What drives you to succeed and to keep training so hard?

When I was injured, I felt that it was almost all over for me. So when I got the opportunity to start competing again, I needed to set myself a target for my own mental health more than anything, as it would have been so easy to give up otherwise. I set the target of the games and kept pushing until I achieved what I set out to do, although now I’ve achieved that I have set my sights on other things too. Like I said earlier, rugby is next, and once I get my new chair sorted, I have a place at Burton Wheelchair Rugby Club lined up already and the target is the next Invictus games. I’m lucky that my basketball skills will give me a head start.

How do you relax and unwind when you’re not competing or training?

Surprisingly enough I tend to relax and unwind doing other sports. So at least once a month I go scuba diving around the UK and regularly do disabled skiing at Chill Factore in Manchester with friends. I also take part in freemasonry as I enjoy helping others through charity work with them.

Does wheelchair sport help in your everyday life such as gaining confidence, health, wellbeing?

Most definitely, without basketball I don’t think I’d be here now. It gave me something to focus on and a reason to train and get more physically fit and able. Plus, the success I have had in the sport so far has helped with getting my confidence back after the injury.

What if any special training, equipment, nutrition do you need to take part?

The main thing is the sports chair, they’re unfortunately quite expensive but once you’ve got it the sky’s the limit. I train once a week with the team and twice a week on my own, either in the gym focusing on my core, shoulder and arms or shooting hoops at my local council gym in stoke. I tend not to take supplements although I have a tradition of eating something very sugary before a match to give me extra energy on the court.

What have you been up to recently?

In September 2023, I along with my teammates, managed to achieve a bronze medal at the Invictus games in Dusseldorf. I was also presented with a shirt by the gold medallists (USA) for being the only person to score so many baskets past them in the whole tournament, although we still lost the match.

How do you use your CSSC membership?

I’ve been a member of CSSC since I joined the civil service over a year ago now, and the benefits it offers are brilliant and I would encourage everyone to take full advantage of them. The day trips and sports are probably my favourite benefit.

What’s next for you?

I’m competing in the national league for basketball again this season, which is already underway; and my team is doing well. I’m also looking to get back to racing on skis again albeit in an adaptive way and finally overcoming the sport that broke me.