Tom represents country in Games for ex-military
An Army veteran from the Hillfoots is to represent his country at a major sporting event for injured and sick servicemen and women.
Tom Hunter who served in the Royal Artillery, is one of 40 veterans and service personnel who have been selected by Help for Heroes to represent the UK at the 2018 Warrior Games.
The 55-year-old has also been selected as the team’s vice-captain and torch bearer during the opening ceremony,
He has suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder since 2003 and was diagnosed four years ago with dementia pugulistica, a degenerative brain condition common in boxers. Originally from Tillicoultry, he and his wife Lorna lived in Stirling until two years ago when they moved to North Yorkshire to live close to Help for Heroes Recovery Centre, Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison, which offers support to them.
The athletes have been taking part in the 2018 Department of Defence Warrior Games, which started last Friday and run until Saturday in Colorado Springs.
Approximately 265 service members and veterans are representing teams from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and US Special Operations Command as well as the UK Armed Forces, Canadian Forces and the Australian Defence Force will participate.
Tom will be competing in the 400 metres and 1500 metres – and rowing.
The former physical training instructor said: “The training I’m doing gives me a reason to get up in the morning and I feel I have a place in society once more. And to be part of a team of military, and like– minded people again will be wonderful.”
Tom’s wife Lorna will accompany him as his carer and take photos for the memory book she has been compiling ever since his dementia diagnosis.