A SALISBURY Army veteran of 23 years who was medically discharged in 2011 has found a new outlook on life by playing in a charity's wheelchair rugby team.
Noel Howard,54, known as Yorkie to his friends, was originally from Halifax in West Yorkshire. He joined the Army in 1989 and saw tours in the Gulf War, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was injured in Iraq while working alongside US troops and the Help for Heros charity gave him a new lease of life.
Noel said: “In the Forces, I was always very active. After getting injured, I became a shadow of my former self. Sport was a massive part of the Armed Forces, and when I couldn’t take part, I really missed it."
After eight operations on his shoulder and knee, Noel was medically discharged and became a team leader for anti-piracy companies, now working for a global aerospace and defence company. He joined the Help for Heroes wheelchair rugby team.
He said: “It puts me back in with the ‘green team’, in with the military guys and girls. It gives me a goal and something to look forward to. I just love getting together with the team. My wife has commented on the massive difference she’s seen since I’ve become active again.
“Our coach, ‘Jenks’, pushes us all. We do what he asks of us and then he always says that we can do more. But it’s for a reason. Jenks has shown us what we can still achieve.”
Undefeated in their first season, playing in three tournaments over the summer, they were promoted to the Championship.
Noel said: “Wheelchair rugby gets you back into sport both on a social level, but also in a competitive level. It gives us a chance to push ourselves further than we ever thought we could with whatever injury we have.
“We can play four matches in a day, and, at the end of the day, we’re all exhausted, but I just look over at my teammates and support staff, and I know I’ve done my best.”
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Noel believes that sport is a powerful aid to recovery on a physical and mental level.
“Help for Heroes has shown me what is still possible. It’s provided a safe environment that encourages people to attend and open up to others. Without that, I may have stopped pushing myself. Playing this sport with my new friends has helped with my recovery and mindfulness.”
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Help for Heroes has recently launched a coaching programme giving veterans the chance to learn how to support others who want to get back into sports and Noel has also had the opportunity to be a model in the photoshoot for the charity’s latest collection of rugby shirts.
For more information, visit helpforheroes.org.uk
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