A Royal Air Force veteran from the Isle of Wight has joined the Help for Heroes wheelchair basketball team after impressing coaches at an exhibition match designed to showcase the sport.
Gary Butler from East Cowes, who was medically discharged in 1993 due to a spinal injury, will play in the British Wheelchair Basketball Inspire League.
He will take part in monthly training sessions and compete in league matches with Gary’s cross-Solent travel sponsored by Wightlink.
Gary approached Help for Heroes after narrowly missing out on a place in the Invictus Games, which was founded by Prince Harry.
When time allows, the veteran will also take part in wheelchair rugby training and matches with the charity.
“We were keen to get Gary involved in our exhibition match as we knew how passionate he was about sport,” says Jodie Amor, Community Clubs Development Lead.
“Help for Heroes run a variety of inclusive and accessible sports, activities and group events across the UK to provide support to veterans and their families. Support from organisations like Wightlink is crucial.”
Gary says:
“Joining the Help for Heroes basketball team has given me a real boost and I can’t wait to begin training.
"Unfortunately, the injury I sustained while with the RAF led to PTSD and anxiety which have been difficult to manage.
"Having a focus through sport has really helped and I am grateful to Help for Heroes and to Wightlink for the support they have provided to allow me to take part in a sport I love.
“They have been very generous, with Wightlink supporting me with travel and Help for Heroes and British Wheelchair Basketball even providing me with a new specialist sports wheelchair.”
Wightlink’s Island Port Operations Manager Martin Gulliver said:
“We are delighted to support Gary with travel to attend his training and matches and wish him and his team mates the best of luck.”
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