After a devastating accident, wheelchair rugby provides an Army veteran a new lease on life.

A Leicestershire army veteran who lost both of his legs in a catastrophic accident has discovered hope once more. In 2012, while on foot patrol in Helmand Province, Tom Folwell, of Melton Mowbray 38, stepped on an explosive device and sustained life-threatening injuries.

Tom lost his legs and four fingertips in the event that ended his service career. Tom discovered a new passion in sports after his ordeal: wheelchair rugby.

He had osseointegration surgery last year, in which an artificial implant is surgically anchored into the bone and allowed to grow into a prosthetic. Since then, aside from playing rugby, he has been able to walk and has not needed his wheelchair.

Tom first learned about wheelchair rugby in 2017, but he rose quickly to the position of captain for the Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby Team. In the Hauge 2020 Invictus Games, which was held in 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic, he also served as Team UK’s captain.

The father of one has also participated in wheelchair rugby league competitions for the Help for Heroes team, which advanced to the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby League Championship after going undefeated in its inaugural campaign. In the most recent Heart of Invictus documentary series on Netflix, he was also featured.

He declared, “I’m honored to represent Help for Heroes.” Being among other veterans is great because we share a similar perspective.

“I’ve used a wheelchair full-time since I left the army, and although there is nothing you can do about it, you just have to get used to it.”

“It’s not even clear how I got into it, but I needed something to get out of the house,” he continued. It merely provides you with a release, something to look forward to, and a chance to meet people.