I joined Royal Dolphins in 2016, after an extremely difficult year with a chronic pain condition. Rowing immediately gave me a safe space, where I could participate in sport with people who understood what I was going through and why I couldn’t always push myself. In 2017 I completed the Great River Race, which was a huge achievement. It gave me a lot of confidence that my pain condition didn't need to hold me back, all I had to do was adapt.
Fast forward to September 2019, my pain condition was getting worse not better. So I made the decision to have my leg amputated. Everyone at Royal Dolphins supported me and I was back training with the group less than 4 weeks later. The coaches and LYR supported me to chase my dreams and compete, winning gold at the British Indoor championships (2019) over 4 minutes in the AR3-PD category. Since then, I have thrived being part of the Royal Dolphins. They have supported me through everything and I'm delighted to be a founding member of the club.
When I left work prematurely I was suffering from depression and felt a failure. A friend told me about the Royal Dolphins and I have not looked back. Rowing at LYR as part of the Royal Dolphins is now a highlight of myweek. For the first time in my life I can take part in a sport I thoroughly enjoy and that caters to my strengths as part of a team. I enjoy the friendship and acceptance of the group and have a completely different outlook about physical exercise, training and my own capability.
The coaches are so friendly and patient and nothing beats the feeling of being on the water, especially when the sunlight reflects off the water. Completing the Great River Race is the biggest achievement of my life. I really surprised myself and never would have believed it was possible. It gave me such a confidence boost and I would say to anyone, particularly if you have a disability. The benefits are fantastic and at Royal Dolphins you will be given a warm welcome.
I joined The royal Dolphins in May 2018, I’m not the best on the team but I found my tribe and that what I was setting out to do. Do I think about throwing the oar in and giving up? Yes, and I have crap training sessions when I struggle with certain things but will I genuinely think giving up is the answer where would I get honestly… absolutely no where, alone, without friends, slipping into old habits and probably stuck in the past.
I’m delighted to be on the team, it’s my second family yes we fall out, get mad at each other and then we sort it out because we're not just another disability sport team it’s more than that. I think it’s part of me and my identity I’m not going to be a Paralympic rower but I love the adrenaline rush.
This is what I always wanted for myself especially after leaving sixth form where I never really settled with a group of friends or rushed into friendships and been left heartbroken when I found out that they weren’t sticking about or something happened. With the Royal Dolphins I am completely relaxed and get through the tough times and I am doing good enough to keep going.
I first got into rowing after joining the gym and finding I rather liked the rowing machines, and they liked me too. I progressed quickly and soon found myself rowing 5000km every session.
My trainer was impressed and suggested I take it further. After some research I found the Royal Dolphins, who were originally aimed at individuals with brain injuries like me. I felt a great sense of belonging and thought, why not give it a go?
I am really enjoying the rowing because it is a good way for me to keep fit and it is also good for my scoliosis and everyone in the team has made me feel really welcome and the fact that I have a learning disability, I am also visually impaired and I also have autism and none of these seem to be massive issues which is a massive bonus.
Charity Number: 1122941. Company Number: 06243293. Royal Docks Adventure, 1012 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QT.
Tel: 0203 356 7178
