At the end of August 2023, a team of extraordinary veterans will conduct a challenge that makes some of their earlier exploits look ordinary. Despite a range of injuries from limb loss, limb damage, partial paralysis following a stroke and mental health issues from their time in service, this intrepid group will attempt to swim the English Channel. The event, known as Swim2Recovery is the brainchild of the founder of the Bowra Foundation, a charity which helps those with a range of neurological issues tackle their physical & mental limitations through participating in activities that they never thought they would be able to do.

Mark Bowra, a decorated Special Forces Officer inspires those around him to believe that ‘what’s inside matters’, a strap line that underpins all his achievements to date. Mark set up the Bowra Foundation following a major stroke in 2017, whilst he was still serving, which left him with a significant brain injury & partial paralysis on his right hand side. When told that he would no longer be able to walk, talk properly or take part in his usual array of high intensity sports events, he activated his inner mental strength. Once out of hospital & aided by his former Special Forces colleague, Stu Hitchman, he devised a bespoke bag of practical items to help those in the immediate aftermath of a brain injury & together they set about laying the foundations for the charity which would bear his name.

Now in its fourth year the Bowra Foundation is helping Mark put on the biggest challenge so far. Reaching out to former colleagues to join in with him on this venture, he wants to raise the profile of brain injuries & how we can all conquer our limitations with the right mindset. Having had the power of the veteran community & incredible help from military charities to get him & his family back on their feet again, he now wishes to help those less fortunate to achieve the same goal.

By supporting Mark & his swim colleagues in whatever way you can, you will be helping the Bowra Foundation reach out to many more beneficiaries to challenge their inner self. After all, ‘what’s inside matters’ as Mark says.