Shane Rossall

When former British Army sergeant Shane Rossall was medically discharged in January 2019 due to injury caused in service, he “hit an all-time low”.

“Sports is all I have ever known and being told I couldn’t play or do the things I loved since a young child really hit me hard and I suffered mentally and physically. I went from a robust soldier to a broken man. I could no longer compete in anything and this was out of my control.”

A soldier for 20 years, the 39 -year old is determined to regain the self-belief and focus he once had. “Since being part of the Invictus trials and training camps, I have been given a new lease of life. My family noticed I had hit an all-time low but since being involved with Invictus they tell me frequently how much I have changed and I am now myself again. I’m a husband and father to Holly and Archie and I want to make my family proud again. Being able to represent my country means everything but I also want to represent my family because without them I wouldn’t be here now.

“The Invictus journey has driven me to push myself through any obstacles and any barriers. I am now fully committed, not just to my own journey, but to the fellow team members. My main goal is to feel as though I am able to compete again at a high level and as every other competitor wants to do, to represent my country again.”

During the last two years, I had found purpose again by being part of Team UK, but since the start of the pandemic it has affected me not being involved in training camps. My mental health was actually worse than I thought, realising I had a deeper issue which I am now receiving treatment via Hidden Wounds. My training had to change due to lack of equipment so had to get dust the cobwebs off my bike and cycled most days.