In 2014, my husband Steve Sebburn sustained an injury on Mission Specific Training in preparation for Op Herrick 20, Afghanistan. A year later the injury worsened and he ended up in hospital paralysed after a lumbar puncture went disastrously wrong. He was told he would never run or cycle again, but after suffering more setbacks and return visits to hospital (6th nerve palsy, minor brain damage causing left side weakness), he bought a road bike and set his sights on proving them wrong. He went to rehabilitation in Hedley  Court (which has since closed down). With the help provided by Help for heroes he was able to work through losing his career and identity. Unfortunately he was discharged from the army which has always been his life and part of his family. 

We moved to Brecon to get the extra help and support and have since settled here. His Personal rehabilitation officer suggested The Invictus Games to him. This gave him a goal and he went on to compete in the 2017 Canada Games. 3 days before he competed he suffered a heart issue which he has been living with since. He went on to compete and although he didn’t return to the Uk 🇬🇧 with any medals he supported his best team mate to win Gold. Feeling his journey wasn’t complete he went onto the 2018 Australian Games and won Bronze in 1500m, bronze in the Criterion Cycle race and Gold in the Time trial. 

He continues to live with left side weakness, severe back pain and the heart issue which is a scary condition to have at the age of 44. Without the support of Help for Heroes I know I wouldn’t have a husband today and our (we have 2 children together)  lives would have been destroyed. I owe them and feel I want to give back. 

Every day, men and women have to leave their career in the Armed Forces as a result of physical or psychological wounds. Your fundraising helps them recover and get on with their lives. So far we've supported more than 25,000 people and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.