A group of wounded, injured and sick Royal Marines from Plymouth and Taunton have spent a week in Falmouth enjoying the Royal Navy’s Water Activities Centre, as part of their rehabilitation back to being fighting fit.
The combined group of Commandos who are serving in 42 and 40 Commandos respectively, were taking part in an adaptive water sports programme organised by the centre and funded by the Navy Army Air Force Institute – NAAFI – Armed Forces Covenant Fund.
It was the first opportunity the group of Marines had to get away and enjoy some respite and water-based activities, consisting of surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, coastal walks and cycling.
It was organised by Chief Petty Officer Angie Cheal, from the Personnel Support Group at HMS Drake in Plymouth.
“We are fortunate that there are lots of courses on offer to our Sailors and Royal Marines who are in the recovery pathway, however, it’s rare for a whole troop to be able to get away as a group, so this was a welcome change of scene for the lads,” said Angie.
“With the support of the Royal Navy Adventurous Training Team (RNATT) we’re able to utilise the Water Sports Centre and its brilliant staff, which meant we only required minimal funding from the NAAFI Covenant to provide accommodation for the group”.
Royal Marines Warrant Officer Warren Bloomer of RNATT added:
“In recent times RNATT have realised the value we can add through adventurous training activities to personnel who are medically downgraded or require adaptive physical activities.”
“Through the Water Activities Centre, Falmouth, we are able to offer a package of water-based activities specifically aimed at those who have physical limitations. Outdoor AT pursuits really help those suffering with long term mental health issues.”
“Participation improves morale, wellbeing and self-confidence. The past two weeks have been a real success and RNATT will look to build on this by supporting this cohort next year and in future with a raft of enjoyable and challenging activities.“
One of those who got a lot out of the Falmouth week was Marine Reuben Bairstow-Binns from 42 Commando, who through injury has been undergoing rehabilitation in the Unit for several months.
“The rehab process can be lengthy and a repetitive process which is very taxing on the soul”, said Reuban.
“This was my first adventurous training week within rehab, and it was such a positive experience for everyone who attended. It gave us a break from the routine and got us outside and away from our camp, built on troop cohesion and relationships, meeting new people and in some cases learned new skills.
“More opportunities like this can’t come fast enough for me!”
