Michael Mellon speaks of the support he has received from Help for Heroes, as he prepares to be Scotland's only representative at the Invictus Games
I broke my fibula and tibula while playing rugby for RAF Honington in Oct 2001 which resulted in compartment syndrome in my lower left leg.
Despite having 12 operations over several years, I remained in constant pain due to severe nerve damage so, in 2013, I elected to have my lower leg amputated.
It was the hardest call of my life but, I’m glad to say, it worked out to be the right call. I get phantom pains a few times a week and there are periods that I can’t wear my prosthetic leg but I’m a lot more active and in less pain than before the amputation.
After becoming medically discharged I thought my life was over. Every day I just wished I was still in the RAF and with my friends.
But I love being with the lads again - I feel like I’m accepted when I’m around them. And my eyes have been opened on how people in similar conditions have coped and progressed with their lives; how they cope with pain or feeling down.
Being more active is a great feeling and takes my mind off the pain.
The Invictus Games have been huge for me, a life changing event. Being part of the sitting volleyball team and winning a silver medal last year was exceptional. I said I wanted to be a part of the team to help my confidence and feel the power of teamwork again. I regained that in bucket loads. The adrenalin it gives you and the buzz is electric.
Since 2005, I have been a house husband and parent while my wife Deborah works as a nursery nurse. But now our three children - Ryan 13, Eve 12 and Sarah 7 - are all in school, I’m beginning to think about finding a job.
I’d love to work with ex-forces people – and will besupported in this by Help for Heroes. I’m also a member of the charity’s Band of Brothers fellowship network.
I have been attending regular training camps with the Invictus wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball teams over the last six months. I am the only Scot in the 72 strong team.
It’s been pretty full on! I’ve only been home for three weekends since June and I’ve really missed the family. My mum and dad are flying out to watch the games and my wife and children are also coming out, so it will be great to have them all there. I am really looking forward to it but I am more nervous than I was last year. I think it’s because I won medals last year and feel there is that expectation to win another medal again.
Michael Mellon will represent Scotland at the Invictus Games and is a member of the Help for Heroes Band of Brothers fellowship network, which is available to veterans and service personnel who have suffered a permanently life-limiting or career-ending injury or illness during or attributable to their service.
