A former Brechin airman has battled back from the edge of despair to represent the UK in the archery event at the Invictus Games in Toronto.
Matt Neve, who now lives in Swansea, was left “very angry at the world” after being medically discharged in October 2004 with post traumatic stress disorder.
The former senior aircraftman will now join 90 other wounded, injured and sick UK military personnel and veterans as they compete in the third Invictus Games competition, following the inaugural event in London in 2014.
The 32-year-old, who joined the Royal Air Force as a driver in 2001 aged just 16, said he received very little support when he was discharged.
He said: “My relationship with my wife began to break down and I became very angry at the world.
“In 2015, I started a new job and it was a particularly difficult time for me.”
In June 2016, Matt took part in an archery taster session, after a friend advised him of the physical, psychological and social benefits sport can often have.
He said: “When I’m drawing the bow I’m only thinking about one thing; hitting that target.
“It allows me to focus my attention and forget about everything else around me.
“When I took part in the taster session and one of the coaches said I had a natural ability in archery, it felt great and that’s where the Invictus Games dream started really.”
He approached the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund for support in funding his archery equipment.
Following successful try-outs earlier on in the year, he was notified last month that he has made the Invictus Games UK squad.
He said: “To be selected for the team was huge; it gave me a real sense of pride.
“It helped me realise that perhaps I am worth something and can achieve my goals if I work hard.
“I had a real sense of achievement and self worth.”
Since then, he has been training four days a week and admits: “My focus now is to bring back the gold.
“My wife and children will be joining me in Toronto which will be great.
“People often forget about the families, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family.
“Sport has helped my recovery by giving me something to focus on other than my mental health, it helps me switch off and focus.
“It makes me look forward to what I can achieve and aspire to. Most of all it makes me believe in myself.”
Paul Hughesdon, Director of Welfare and Policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said Mr Neve is a prime example of the difference sport can make.
He said: “We are incredibly proud to have been able to help him on his journey to better health and wish him all the best at the Invictus Games in September.”
