A UNION OF PASSION & CREATIVITY
Former Army Sergeant, Darren Carew had hopes of joining the military since a small child as well as becoming a rugby player. His dreams were realised after joining the Royal Welsh Regiment in 1998. ‘’Going into the Royal Regiment of Wales gave me an opportunity to be a soldier and a rugby player – so it was like a match made in heaven – and to be honest I flourished with the time in the military, I found who I wanted to be – grew - met friends I will always have’’.
In 2008, after transferring to 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards in 2005, Darren was injured while on patrol in Afghanistan. His life changed when the armoured vehicle he was travelling in rolled over an explosive device, injuring Darren and two others. Consequently, Darren sustained injuries leading to the loss of his left leg. ‘’Getting ripped out of that environment – and all of your friends that you’ve been fighting alongside to being there (in hospital) was extremely challenging, mentally and physically. Coping with the injuries you have – to coming to terms with the sudden change – its trauma.‘’
Now, in a much better place, Darren says ‘’Help for Heroes have had a direct impact on my progression post-injury’’. After being rehabilitated Darren focused on sports recovery, '' I was part of the GB team for the Warrior Games, with an eye towards competing at Invictus but during that competition I found my passion for coaching and gave up competing to help others.''
Darren now works as the Disability Rugby Coordinator for the welsh Rugby Union and has worked closely with the Help for Heroes Community Recovery Team in Wales, delivering Rugby Coaching Training and wheelchair rugby sessions. He's now able to make a difference on a daily basis.
Darren proudly models the Proud to Support Union Jack Polo, £30. Shop the Proud to Support collection here
