Now in its fith year, Help for Heroes’ partnership with Tough Mudder has raised more than £2.5 million. Thanks to the efforts of Mudders across the country, money raised has gone towards Help for Heroes’ Sports Recovery programme, ensuring wounded, inured and sick Servicemen and women can discover the power of grassroots sport in their recovery.
Meet David Hames
David Hames is one of thousands to have benefited from Sports Recovery activities. This is his story.
David served in the Royal Engineers in the Army for 15 years, until he had a motorbike accident and fractured his femur and was left with brain injuries. Whilst he was staying at Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre he was told about Help for Heroes and the Recovery Centres and was invited to take part in the Rolling Recovery Programme (RRP).
The Help for Heroes training course
Former CPL David Hames took part in the Help for Heroes Personal Training course held last year at Tedworth House Recovery Centre and now runs trampoline fitness classes.
The Personal Training course offers wounded, injured or sick (WIS) service personnel and veterans a qualification and allows them to expand on existing interests such as coaching at fitness training.
Run in partnership with Aspire and YMCA Fit, this InstructAbility Diploma in Personal Training Programme is designed for WIS with a keen interest in fitness training and sports coaching.
The course consisted of the following modules: Level 2 Gym Instruction, Level 3 Personal Training, Exercise and Disability, Strength & Conditioning, Work Placement and Exercise Referrals, and included a work placement.
David said, “I saw the Personal Trainer course at Tedworth House being advertised and wanted to get involved. I was a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) in the Army, so was always interested in fitness. I’m so glad I went on the course, it was brilliant. Whilst on the course I was offered a job as a Trampoline Manager and now run Trampoline Fitness Classes and have PT clients too.”
“I got so much out of the course, it was great. If I hadn’t taken part in the course I would have settled for something I didn’t love. I would feel really lost.”
Find out how your Mudder journey can support Help for Heroes.