Updated on
A 32-year-old veteran, from Newport, Wales, is enjoying a new lease of life following a grant that enabled him to purchase a custom-fitted wheelchair to continue enjoying wheelchair rugby.
Craig Godsall served for five years in the Welsh Guards until he was medically discharged in 2017 after suffering a back injury in Kenya that caused damage to three discs. As part of a machine-gun team, the heavy equipment he carried had put too much pressure on his discs.
Having encountered Help for Heroes while preparing to participate in the athletics for the Invictus Games, at The Hague, he was captivated at the event by wheelchair rugby and he went on to compete in it in the Düsseldorf games, in 2023.
He said: “With athletics, as much as you go out as a team, it’s an individual sport. It’s quite isolating when you’re on the start line.
“Wheelchair rugby has the team ethos I was looking for; they had a sort of military banter amongst themselves, and I’d missed that and the camaraderie. I enjoy the rough and tumble as well,” he laughed.
He has subsequently completed several of the Charity’s recovery courses and plays for the Trevethin-based Dragons Wheelchair Rugby team, but had been using a club chair, which wasn’t comfortable and hindered his performance. A grant from the Charity has enabled him to have his own custom-fitted chair, which has worked wonders for his enjoyment and his psychological wellbeing.
He explained: “When I first started, I was loaned a generic chair from the club and you’ve no guarantee you’ll fit correctly in them. Because of funding, the club asked if people were in a position to get their own chairs because some had to be returned to GBWR (GB Wheelchair Rugby).
“When they started talking about made-to-measure, I thought, with my back, that would be far more comfortable and offer better support for my back. The chair has been amazing and has made things within the sport so much easier and accessible. Playing is much more comfortable, now.
“It’s also helped out other club members, too, as it frees up a club chair for someone else to experience a great sport. I can’t thank all involved enough for the help and support I’ve received. I’m a big believer in Help for Heroes because of the support it offers.”
FEEL-GOOD FACTOR
Our Veterans Clinical Advisor and Safeguarding Lead for Wales, Helen Neve, added: “Craig was devastated when he was unable to continue his athletics owing to his ongoing spinal issues. He went for a trial session at wheelchair rugby, thoroughly enjoyed it and approached me for funding towards a bespoke wheelchair.
“We were delighted to support him, in the knowledge that being able to access this sport would make such a huge positive impact upon his mental and physical wellbeing. It was lovely to see the pictures of him playing and the look of satisfaction and pleasure on his face spoke volumes and provides a real feel-good factor for me as a clinician. Hopefully, Craig’s story will encourage veterans in similar circumstances to reach out for support.”