When a military career comes to an end, it can be difficult to know how and where to channel the drive, determination and passion that’s needed for a life in the Armed Forces. Wayne Harrold is a former colour sergeant who served for 22 years in the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. He's since turned his passion from combat to cycling.
In December 2001 he was involved in accident on SPTA suffering a serious ankle injury when struck by a Spartan. Despite intensive rehabilitation and multiple operations Wayne continued to suffer significant pain and restriction so in June 2004 he underwent a below knee amputation.
A mental battle
Whilst on the long road to recover at Headley Court, Wayne struggled with his mental health and the impact his injury had on his career. He reflects: “I knew I needed support, but serving personnel and veterans are, in my opinion, not the best at this.”
Wayne reached out to our Military Injuries team as he was looking for answers as to whether his injury could have been prevented, and to stop the same mistakes happening to anyone else. Ultimately liability was conceded by the MoD and an award of damages made which allowed Wayne to start rebuilding his life.
With our support, plus help from BLESMA and Headley Court Wayne went on to promote again and saw out his full 24 year career in The Vikings, leaving as a colour sergeant in July 2011.
Cycling towards a brighter future
In 2016, Wayne caught the bug for cycling with the aim of losing weight and improving his quality of life. He concentrated on becoming fitter, stronger and faster than ever before, which led to him being selected to take part in the Invictus Games. He won silver in the time trials in 2018 and a bronze in the same event a year later.
With the thirst to push himself to the limit he set his eyes on the most prestigious individual cycling event, The UCI Hour – a challenge of speed and distance round a velodrome.
The previous world record had stood since 2005 but in January 2020 at Derby Veleodrome, Wayne set a new world record in his disability category - Male Category 4 (lower limb disability, MC4) at 42.46km. Completing the distance of a full marathon in an hour (26.4 miles) only spurred him on further.
A devastating set back
After all that Wayne had been through and overcome, he once again found the journey to recovery ahead of him after he was hit by van whilst cycling home from training for the world championships.
The van hit his right leg and Wayne once again struggled with his mental health and physical injuries. Reaching out to Irwin Mitchell for help and guidance was the only way he knew to turn. Wayne said “My mind was grey – I was at my lowest and I’m so thankful Irwin Mitchell were there once again to support me.”
As the case against the driver of the van progressed an interim payment was secured to fund specialist physiotherapy and his health slowly improved, he knew that getting back on the saddle would hugely support his mental health. Wayne recalls: “I needed the freedom of the road and the distance in front of me to clear my head and get back into focus.”
Never giving up
With his never-wavering determination, Wayne set his sights on the closed circuit and time trial events at the National Championships.
In June 2021 he competed at the Para National Championships Time Trail - 19 Miles of tough terrain in the Castle Combe countryside. It’s an event where all levels of ability are welcome, from hand cyclists to tricycle and adapted road bikes. Within each category were riders from Team GB in their final prep for Tokyo 2021 – an inspiration to complete alongside.
Wayne says: “The race was tough - my legs ached as I’d not pushed this hard, or wanted something so much before. Knowing other riders were on my tail was the push I needed to carry on. However, there was one point where my right knee was in such pain I wasn’t sure if I’d even finish the race.”
Amazingly, Wayne made it across the finish line, despite the mental and physical battle he endured.
Proud to support Wayne’s sporting career
The financial loss Wayne experienced throughout this time has led to many sleepless nights wondering how he’ll continue to support his family. His passion for disability cycling comes with great expense so we were delighted to be able to sponsor him during the National Champions.
Wayne said: “The Championships came around the same time when my son was getting married. I naturally wanted to support him at the start of his married life so I was hugely grateful to receive the sponsorship from Irwin Mitchell.”
Wayne went on to win a bronze medal in the competition – his first in a long time after a series of setbacks. We couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come, what he’s achieved and his determination to carry on in the face of adversity.
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