Battle Back Centre changed my perspective of my injuries. It made me realise you cant sit at home feeling sorry for yourself, you only live once, and youve got to get out there and do things.

I didnt really know what to expect at first, other than that we would be doing some activities. But the course proved to me that I was getting better, I was improving. I was able to share the experience with other veterans and talk to them about what they had been through and how they were overcoming their injuries and difficulties as well as sharing my experience. Some of the coaches had been through difficulties themselves and looking at how far theyd come made me realise that I could get back to normal myself.

Battle Back provided me with a re-set button for my life, re-affirming the important things. It changes lives and thats one of the reasons Im looking forward to the ride, to help raise awareness of the work the Legion does and how the charity helps people

Before taking part I didnt realize how much I needed to do it. Whilst I was in Service Id had to knock on a Mothers door and tell her that her son had been killed in a road traffic accident. You carry something like that around with you for a long time. It was only after the course at Battle Back with 20 others that I got rid of that. I was stuck in a rut and didnt want to exercise. A chance suggestion from one of my colleagues saw me take up cycling for the first time in years. Now I am obsessed with cycling and in four years I lost five stone and I have inspired others around me to face their problems this way.

Battle Back was a huge confidence booster for me and gave me a belief that my future would be different. I have learnt to reach out, be brave and put myself out there and to never give up on life, as you never know what might be just around the corner.

This course was the catalyst of a number of events all of which have made a significant impact on my health and well-being. From 2 years ago where I woke up everyday feeling like I had no future to now where I wake up everyday full of hope and excitement at what the day will bring. During the veterans course one of the coaches identified that I was a keen cyclist and had been employed in the cycle trade. I was promptly invited to become a volunteer coach at Battle Back which was a huge confidence boost for me and now I have formed my own cycling company, which I had never, imagined doing. I have really enjoyed taking part in The Royal British Legion Events this year and hope to inspire others through these challenges.