By Isle of Wight Observer
An RAF veteran from the Island 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.
Gary approached Help for Heroes, after narrowly missing out on a place in the Invictus Games. 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.
Gary said: “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; however, 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.”
Help for Heroes and British Wheelchair Basketball have provided Gary with a new sports wheelchair, and Wightlink are sponsoring Gary’s travel. 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.”
