Mikey served as a soldier for 10 years until a training accident left him paralysed from the chest down. Medically discharged, Mikey lost his way until he took up archery, eventually competing internationally. After a severe illness left him isolated and stuck indoors, we helped fund adaptations to his home, so he can now safely access and enjoy his garden.
Mikey, from Oswestry, Shropshire, knew from an early age that he wanted to be a soldier, and follow in his family’s footsteps.
Mikey joined the Army cadets and then spent two years in the Territorial Army before becoming a regular soldier in 1995. He served for 10 years – first in the then Shropshire Yeomanry Squadron of The Queen’s Own Mercian Yeomanry and then The Queen’s Dragoon Guards. He was deployed to the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
During a regimental exercise in 2000, Mikey fell from a rope bridge on an assault course and broke his neck and back in multiple places. Following extensive hospital treatments and rehabilitation, Mikey was given the chance to transfer to the clerical trade, but he longed to deploy on operations, so was medically discharged.
The former Lance Corporal experienced depression and turned to alcohol. Mikey says: “I had an absolute rollercoaster for a few years, with such highs and lows. There was a time when I didn’t know what I wanted to do.”
Mikey started making progress when he took up sport to aid his rehabilitation. Once he picked up a bow, Mikey knew archery was his sport. He became a qualified coach, and competed internationally, winning medals at the 2014 Invictus Games. Representing his country at the 2016 Rio Paralympics Games, Mikey came seventh in the archery event. But just a year later, he faced a huge setback.
In 2017, a severe intestinal infection left Mikey fighting for his life. After a further two years in hospital, his bowel was removed and a stoma bag fitted.
Mikey initially struggled to restart his life again after his illness. Mikey’s bungalow was adapted to accommodate his wheelchair. However, it was difficult and, in some places, unsafe for him to get outdoors to his garden, which deeply frustrated him.
Mikey was delighted when the Army Benevolent Fund joined forces with his Regiments to improve his outdoor access. We awarded Mikey a grant of £3,250 towards vital adaptations, such as installing ramps and a path to his shed.
These improvements have made a positive difference to his wellbeing and quality of life. Mikey says: “The improvements to the outside of my bungalow have helped with my mental health. I no longer fall out of my wheelchair while I am outdoors, and I can get on with my life. It’s fantastic – thank you.”