Former UHNM patient to compete at Invictus Games
A former patient from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is making his final preparations ahead of competing in this year’s Invictus Games.
Former soldier Rob Shenton broke his neck and fractured his skull cycling close to his Biddulph Moor home in August 2020.
During his eight-month recovery, Rob received treatment from UHNM’s Acute Rehabilitation Trauma Unit (ARTU) and Therapies department and will now complete for Team UK in Nordic skiing and indoor rowing at the upcoming games in Whistler, Canada.
Rob, who served on missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan during his military career, said: “I was out riding on my bike when I lost control and banged my head on a tree. I broke six vertebrae in my neck and fractured my lower skull and left shoulder socket. It has been difficult recovery, I have lost a lot of movement in my neck and about 65 per cent mobility of my spine. But I am very lucky as I can move all my limbs and most importantly, I am alive.”
Rob, who served in the army for 25 years before turning to fitness to help with his mental health and wellbeing, had previously applied to take part in the Invictus Games three times, and it was while he continued to train and apply that he suffered his accident.
He said: “It means so much to be selected for Team UK. Getting here is thanks to those people from UHNM who literally picked me up on that day in August 2020 and started rebuilding me. It’s been a hell of journey, but along the way I have nothing but help from everyone I encountered, from the spinal surgeon to the rehab teams and to the Armed Forces advocates in the Hospital. Everyone has played a part in my rehab, I have won even before I get to the start line, simply because of where I am today and what my body can do.”
An ultra-marathon runner Rob has previously completed three of the toughest races in the world, the Marathon Des Sables, Everest Marathon and North Pole Marathon. He’s also fundraised for UHNM Charity in memory of his father and to thank staff involved in his recovery.
Founded by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games is multi-sport competition for wounded or sick military personnel and veterans.
David Smith, Transformation Project Manager and Armed Forces Champion at UHNM said: “This is an amazing achievement from a veteran who has been through an emotional and physical rollercoaster journey following a very serious injury. We are extremely proud to have been part of his support and recovery journey, that has enabled him to reach a peak in his physical fitness and be selected to represent the UK in the Invictus Games. UHNM may have been a major part of the repair and recovery process, however, it’s Rob’s determination and drive to be the best that has gained him this accolade. Everybody at UHNM would like to wish Rob and all the UK team good luck in these games.”