Team Battle Back Visit

In June, eight wounded servicemen undertook the challenge of a lifetime aided by the charity, ‘Help for Heroes.’ The men set out to cycle across America in the RAAM challenge in just eight days. The race itself is one of the world’s pre-eminent and longest running endurance cycling events, which is renowned as an extraordinary test for any able bodied competitor. During the race, our heroes climbed well over 100,000 feet while passing through 12 states and covering a total distance of 3,051 miles, the difficulty of which is almost unimaginable.

Each of the eight riders in the Help for Heroes Battle Back Team have been either wounded on operations or injured training for operations, including four double amputees who tackled this phenomenal challenge on hand bikes. Successful completion of the RAAM in just seven days, one day ahead of their target, by our heroes proved to our students that there is a life beyond injury and as a result of their amazing achievement the students of 7O, 8A and 8N set out to create a ‘Salute Video’ which was sent to Help for Heroes headquarters.

Additionally, 7O held their own bake sale which, with the help for many staff and students, managed to raise £236 for the heroes. The students also received several emails of thanks from riders and their families. Private Jamie Hull, who was injured when the aircraft he was travelling in exploded causing 60% third degree burns to his face and neck said, “You guys have humbled me to the hilt and I can speak for the team : we’re all highly appreciative of your kind comments and praise for the RAAM team. Awesome work St John’s!”

After viewing the Salute Video, crew chief Jon-Paul Nevin decided that simply saying thank you to the students was not enough and on July 13th 2012 some of the crew including Marine Don McLean and Private Stevie Richardson came into school to surprise the students. The day was an astounding success consisting of question and answer sessions, testimonies from students as well as the opportunity from some staff and students to try out one of the hand bikes. The day was also documented by the local media and gave the students a memory they will never ever forget.

Crew chief Jon-Paul Nevin said, “When we first saw the congratulations video which St. John’s had produced for us we were extremely humbled to say the least. There is nothing better than inspiring others and to see how the students at St. Johns have been inspired by the Battle Back RAAM team was truly awesome. The very least which we could do was to visit the school. The reception which we received for both students and staff members alike was again very humbling and it was honour to chat to everyone and tell our RAAM stories first hand.’

Help for Heroes have also since extended an invite for some of our students to visit Tedworth House, the leading rehabilitation centre for injured service men and women next year.