I joined the WRNS in January 1990 as a Writer and transferred to the Royal Navy 4 years later, thus enabling me to serve on ships.  My decision to transfer was mainly due to my love for the sea, which even to this day is what I consider to be my happy place. I served for just over 18 years and worked my way up the rank of Petty Officer, travelling far and wide around the world, seeing and experiencing both the good and bad.  

In December 1998 I joined my first ship, HMS Westminster, a type 23 frigate.  Unfortunately, the troubles had started in Sierra Leone, and we were tasked to sail straight to the war-torn country. On arrival there was a lot of death and destruction, which causes me night terrors to this very day along with survivors’ guilt for which I have been diagnosed with Complex PTSD. In October 2006, I was drafted to Baghdad to serve with the British Army as Chief Clerk to the General.  The role required me to undertake regular trips from Camp Victory to the International Zone in a helicopter.  On one of these I was travelling in a Black Hawk when the helicopter was brought down by small arms fire.  This resulted in my right knee being badly damaged and on my return to the UK I was sent to Selly Oak Hospital.  It was decided I would no longer be able to continue to serve in the Royal Navy and in May 2008 I was medically discharged from the service.

On leaving the service, I was employed as a HR Manager and filled my time by studying for a degree in HR and Management.  Unfortunately my knee continued to deteriorate and following numerous operations it was eventually decided that my right leg was to be amputated above the knee.  I was determined not to let my amputation stop me, and I was up and walking on a prosthetic leg within 6 months.  I then threw myself into helping others and became a volunteer for BLESMA, of which I am a member.  I also decided to try and help civilians attending the Portsmouth Enablement Centre overcome amputation by offering swimming lessons.  This is something I undertook as I felt that they did not have the same support as a military veteran.

Although I kept myself busy, my love for the sea remained and I was struggling with my mental health, leaving me feeling that I had no purpose or direction. In 2019 whilst visiting a neighbour in hospital, I picked up a newspaper which had an article about a charity offering opportunities for veterans to sail. Straight away I felt excitement, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I called the number and was greeted with a warm friendly voice on the other end of the phone.  I explained that I had sailed a couple of times in Greece since leaving the service with BLESMA, but I would like to sail more regularly and work towards qualifications so that one day I could skipper a yacht.

Since that day I have never looked back.  The opportunities that Turn To Starboard have afforded me are mind blowing. I have completed my RYA Day Skipper Theory and have the practical assessment booked. From January I will be joining the Skipper Scholarship Scheme to work towards my RYA Yachtmaster. Turn To Starboard have completely changed my life, giving me a sense of belonging and a purpose, whilst also giving me the opportunity to be back in my happy place.  The charity have now become like a family to me and when I speak of them, it is always with a smile on my face and a sense of warmth.