From being a recluse to going Down Under for Invictus Games...
ABURSCOUGH mum who claims the Invictus Games “saved her marriage” has been announced as the Vice Captain of Team GB 2018.
Michelle Turner, 39, is among the 72-strong team which have been selected to represent the UK at the games in Australia.
The official team of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans was revealed in London on Tuesday, May 15.
The chosen athletes will compete in 11 sports: athletics, archery, wheelchair basketball, cycling, powerlifting, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, swimming, sitting volleyball, wheelchair tennis and a new sport for 2018, sailing.
Michelle has been confirmed as the Vice Captain of team GB and has been selected to participate in swimming and rowing sports.
The former RAF Sergeant, who was medically discharged after 20 years of service, has a heart condition which causes exhaustion, extreme dizziness and unannounced collapses.
After her diagnosis, she confined herself to her house and was embarrassed by the inevitability of collapsing in public.
However, she overcame that fear when she took part in the Invictus Games in 2017 and she credits the event with “transforming her life.”
The mum-of-one said: “My Invictus journey so far has been incredible. It transformed me from a mummy too scared to leave the house, to Invictus UK Team top and downs for us all.” girl rower. After competeing in the rowing competition “It saved of the games in 2017, Michelle my marriage collapsed unexpectedly in the hotel and gradually lobby. gave my She was “devastated” but Invictus had tiny girl her taught her to never give up so she got mummy onto the coach and cheered on her team back. It has mates. been a true Speaking of that time, Michelle added: rollercoaster “I decided that the only way to turn this around was to get on that bus to the o f finals the next day, with my amazing ups team mates, and scream and cheer like never before. “I was there with a bruised face, cut lip and a broken heart but I never stopped motivating and screaming them all to the finish line. “I’ve never felt anything like that day in my life... a true rollercoaster of every emotion.” Now they have been selected, the team of 72 people will continue to train in various locations across the country ahead of the Invictus Games in October.
With Michelle’s heart condition meaning that she could collapse at any time, competing in the event is a risk.
She added: “I collapse unannounced at any moment so why would I dive into a swimming pool anyway? I trained so hard but didn’t get to do it (last time).
So I definitely have unfinished business in the pool.
“Being selected for the GB team again has given me that opportunity and I’m truly honoured to be named vice captain. Since my medical discharge I’ve lost the ability to lead manage and inspire in a military uniform but now I get to lead by example in an Invictus kit and wear my Union Jack with pride again.
“We are 72 people whose life hasn’t gone to plan but we are trying our best to be the best people that we can be, especially for our children who still look up to us the same way as before.”
The bowler - who is the captain of Maghull’s second XI - took on the hosts almost single handedly as he sent five of their opening six batsmen back to the pavilion before eventually recording figures of 6-45 from his 12 overs.
After something of a fightback in the middle order, however, last man Geoff Thornton arrived at the crease with his side still needing another 14 runs for victory.
Michael Roberti and Thornton managed to navigate the total under heavy pressure from Maghull, consigning Walters and his side to their second defeat of the season.
Maghull now welcome Spring View to Old Hall Field this weekend, who sit just one place and seven points above them in the L&DCC Second Division table.