The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Perth soldier to represent UK at Invictus Games
Amputee will compete in rowing and wheelchair tennis in Toronto, Canada
A soldier from Perth who lost his leg while serving in Afghanistan will take part in the Invictus Games.
Kevin Drake, 39, was blown up by an IED in January 2013 and has spent the last four years being treated in hospital and Headley Court rehabilitation centre.
The former Perth High School pupil spent three years trying to salvage his left leg, but at the end of 2015 it was decided the best course of action was amputation below the knee, which happened in March 2016.
Mr Drake, who served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Kenya, Cyprus, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan and Afghanistan with the Royal Engineers, has recently undergone further surgery on his stump and is due to be medically discharged at the end of this year.
Now living in Shropshire with his family, Mr Drake revealed he also suffered short-term memory loss and shattered heel bones. However, he hopes he will regain some confidence in himself by taking part in the Invictus Games.
“Since initially being injured I have lost a lot of self-confidence and I am hoping that being part of team will boost my confidence again,” he said.
“I am really missing being part of something, and although I’ve joined numerous clubs and groups over the years, I’ve not been able to find the close bond I had whilst still serving.”
He continued: “I’m incredibly excited to be competing and to be representing my country again.
“I started playing tennis about three years ago. Post-injury, I was always just sat around doing nothing – I had no goals in life, no focus.
Mr Drake will compete in wheelchair tennis and rowing at the Invictus Games and is a reserve for the wheelchair basketball team.
After the games he hopes to find a job that allows him to carry on with his passion for sport.
Sergeant Drake will be part of a 90-strong team of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans who have been selected to represent the UK at this year’s Invictus Games, which will take place in September in Toronto.