Page 51 - QARANC Vol 20 No 3 2023

whilst on a live firing tactical training with Challenger 2 tanks. There was a catastrophic ignition which caused him to spend six weeks in intensive care and a further seven in a burns unit. Stuart required a year’s recovery prior to diving in 2018. He says it allows him to get out of his comfort zone, and his advice is “You have one life to live and so live it.”
Dan Sumner survived an attack from a vehicle improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in 2012. He had a crushed lumbar spine with various fractures, later suffering with depression and PTSD. In 2018, Help for Heroes invited him on a diving trip, which he found therapeutic and he was introduced to the Defence Medical Services (DMS) sub aqua club. Dan wants to become an instructor and show others the benefits of diving (it helps clear your head, is peaceful and rewarding he says).
Lee Mason, who suffered horrific injuries in a road traffic collision in 2012, told me: “Having a limb amputated, a mental health issue or spinal injury shouldn’t dictate how people go about their daily living. I have learnt that life is short, so live it to the fullest and have no regrets. Smile, give someone a hug, sing like there is no one listening, dance like there is no one watching and most importantly live your life the way you want to.”
We did a lot of fundraising for this trip and received a grant from the QARANC Association. Without this the trip would not have been possible. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the DWI personnel who shared their story with me and “thank them” for their service.
Injured but reborn.
The Gazette QARANC Association 51
Festive fun with all the trimmings!
Personnel from JHG(N) came together in December to celebrate their efforts throughout 2022, with a plethora of celebrations.
During the last year, the Unit has supported the Host Trust and filled many other commitments – and Christmas provided time to relax and let our hair down.
Our first event was the QA Association lunch, held at Catterick Garrison Golf Club. Capt Collier, as Northern Branch secretary, reached out to the membership including QAs past and present, to share stories, eat mince pies, all washed down with mulled wine – a fun afternoon enjoyed by all.
The festivities continued at the All Ranks Function where we warmly welcomed our NHS colleagues to join us. More than 100 members of the Unit danced the night away and
raised a brilliant £700 for the Home-Start Richmondshire charity, which supports struggling families and gives children a good start in life.
Cpl Foster and LCpl Clarke personally sought Christmas presents for the children using the funds raised. The All Ranks Function was significantly funded by the QARANC Association, and without this, we wouldn’t have been able to go ahead with the event.
The final event of the festivities was fancy dress PT, where the PTI’s had put a great deal of effort into making it as enjoyable and challenging as possible. With multiple stands and events, it was an opportunity for all to be competitive, in a fun filled environment. Departments went head to head to compete for best dressed, but by unanimous decision, the Christmas dinner themed ED effort came out on top!