Melrose veteran credits disability sport with saving his life
An Army veteran from Melrose credits disability sport with saving his life and is now encouraging others living with life-changing injuries, health conditions and disabilities to try adaptive sport.
Neil Dewar, age 59, suffered devastating injuries in 2006, due to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion, whilst on patrol in Iraq.
He has disabled limbs, spinal and neurological damage, which means that he now relies on a wheelchair; and he also has Combat PTSD. But introduction to adaptive sports through the veterans’ organisation Help for Heroes has changed his life. He’s now a passionate advocate for disability sports.
Neil said: “I want to encourage other veterans across Scotland, whatever their level of ability, to try adaptive sports. I’m about to attend my seventh Community Sports Series event, which is taking place in Edinburgh in July, and I can’t rate these events highly enough.
“You get to take part in sports taster sessions, in a safe and relaxed environment, meet some great people, and maybe find a new interest and make new friends. I know a lot of people who come along who go on to take up a sport with their local club, which helps them with mental health and physical challenges.
“Without sport I don’t think I’d be alive. It’s helped with my mental health and my physical wellbeing, and I’ve been able to compete all over the world.”
Neil is the current GB and European wheelchair champion for modern pentathlon. He’s on the Paralympic pathway for the GB wheelchair Curling team and is hoping to make the UK Invictus Games team for Birmingham 2027.
The Community Sports Series event is taking place on July 11 and 12, at the Oriam Sports Centre, Edinburgh. Participants will have the opportunity to try walking football, supported by the Heart of Midlothian community team, non-contact boxing, supported by Port O’Leith Boxing Club, wheelchair basketball supported by Edinburgh Giants, walking netball, para-darts, rowing, archery and non-contact martial arts. The event is open to veterans and their family members and there is no charge for taking part.
Neil added: “You might be feeling isolated due to an on-going injury or illness – adaptive sports, and events like the Community Sports Series, can give you something to look forward to. Veterans’ family members can get involved as well. But it’s all in a very relaxed environment and the coaches are so supportive.”
You can find out more about the Sports Series at https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/community-sports-series/
Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps people live well after service. The charity supports veterans and their families with their physical and mental health, as well as welfare and social needs.