“After suffering a knee injury in the army in 2014, I took up cycling as a lower impact form of exercise and quickly became passionate about the sport. Over the years, I began competing in many races including for the Royal Signals Cycling Team (2019 Champion) and for charities. I was then involved in a near-fatal accident in 2019, knocked off my bike breaking my wrist and shoulder and had severe trauma to my ribs and back.
“This unfortunately led to me being medically discharged in January 2022 and adapt to a new way of life and suddenly needed to find a new purpose. But the accident never stopped me getting back on my bike.
“Throughout my career, we had moved on average every 18 months so following my discharge we really wanted to settle into our new home and build up a strong community around us. My wife, two daughters and I moved to Aberchirder last July and on our first day, I went to the shop to get some essentials—still with the house keys in my hand—and also wanted to introduce myself to my new neighbours.
“One of the first people I met was Jim Paterson, Chairman of Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed. We got chatting all about Men’s Sheds and putting the world to rights. I had heard of the Men’s Shed in Banff and read about Sheds on social media so said I would pop along to the Shed to take a look. And, I did just that.
“I have been a member there now for about ten months. I was surprised that there were so many activities on offer including woodworking, welding, crafting, IT and gardening and potential for new groups including photography, modelling, singing and much more. I am keen on exploring the welding and, given my experience, I can offer IT support to bridge the digital skills gap, but at present I am just enjoying the social side.
“It is hard to adjust to civilian life when you leave those barracks. Now I am working from home, full-time in a 9-5 project management job that I love, and we have a busy family so it is great for me to have that place to go to relax, have a brew and be a part of my community.
“Following my move to Aberchirder, I was urged to participate in the Invictus Games. I learned that I was eligible as all of the participants are wounded, injured and/or sick serving personnel and veterans and it is an inspiring initiative to raise awareness and aid in personal recovery.
“I am truly honoured to be the only Scottish man out of the 59 competitors in Team UK and privileged to be a part of bringing 500 fantastic competitors together from 22 nations for these adaptive sports.
“I will be competing in four different sports – powerlifting, indoor rowing, swimming and cycling. Cycling being my primary event and that will take place on the last day of the games.
“Training is tough but also thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding. I like to raise awareness for good causes and fundraise where I can.
“In April this year, I cycled the Loch Ness Etape to raise funds for the veterans’ charity, Erskine. I can really feel my fitness ramping up – as the frequency and intensity of my sessions increase the closer we get.
“Recently however, I started losing weight rapidly and didn’t know why. I went from 85kg to 71kg and have just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
“I now have to manage a whole new transition and way of life to manage my blood sugars whilst training for such a big event but I always have been a sucker for punishment and…I know I’ve got this.”
The Invictus Games will take place from the 9th to 16th September 2023 in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Follow David, aka ‘Scaley back cyclist’, on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.