Archery programme to help injured heroes

An ongoing Help for Heroes recovery programme has helped to benefit injured or serving soldiers by encouraging them to practice their archery skills.

The initiative runs every Monday and has played a key role in helping veterans get back on the road to health and healing.

David Hubber, Invictus Games champion, has in the past won two gold medals, and has been on hand to teach soldiers archery at Catterick Garrison at Phoenix House.

Earlier this year, Hubbard had also taken part in the 2015 Warrior Games, where he nabbed a bronze medal with the UK Armed Forces Team.

In 2001, while playing ice hockey for the Army in Canada, he had sustained a spinal condition that grew gradually worse for a decade until he could no longer continue to carry out his usual duties at the Royal Logistic Corps.

He believes that his recovery has been facilitated by archery.

Mr Hubbard stated in an interview published by Help for Heroes: "I got involved with archery through Help for Heroes and Phoenix House. It’s almost the perfect sport for me. Being in the wheelchair enables me to shoot supported and because I'm still able to walk short distances, I can retrieve my own arrows when shooting at short distance targets. 

"It also keeps me in motion and doesn't mean I'm using my chair all of the time.It’s an intermediate bow. It’s very light, very fast and very balanced. The only thing wrong with it is the guy behind it!"

Mr Hubbard will also soon be competing in the open National Indoor Championships in Coventry and he also hopes to participate in next year’s Invictus Games.