VETERANS are limbering up to take part in a multi sports event in Newquay.

People from as far away as South Wales and the North East are attending the Help for Heroes Community Sports Series being hosted by Newquay Activity Centre in Fore Street on September 20 and 21.

They are being given the opportunity to try activities including surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking and snorkelling, which have been adapted by the team from the activity centre for the veterans who live with a range of injuries.

Help for Heroes Community Sports coordinator, Gemma Kemble-Stephenson, said: “It’s a multi-sports taster event like no other.

“It allows members of the Armed Forces community to connect with like-minded people, and to try some inclusive, accessible sports, while enjoying the community and camaraderie that becomes part of an unforgettable experience.”

Gemma, who earlier this year became England’s strongest disabled woman, joined the Army Medical Corps in 1999, aged 17, but suffered multiple injuries herself during her service and was medically discharged after 19 years.

She said: “I’m now a wheelchair user. My injuries are not going to get better, but a big part of my recovery was finding adaptive sports. The Help for Heroes sports recovery programme got me on the road to recovery. And now, I’m helping other people follow their own route to recovery by working for the Charity.

“I want to spread the word that taking part in sports and physical activity can help boost your mental health and help to manage physical conditions.”

The Newquay leg of the Help for Heroes Sports Series is the fifth of six being staged this year, following successful events in Liverpool, Cardiff, Birmingham and Inverclyde.

The events last year engaged more than 260 members of the Armed Forces community in sporting activities, helping them to make new friends and overcome nervousness or anxiety. Some have even attended each event, so beneficial has it been for them.

Gemma added: “We're really grateful to the team at the Newquay Activity Centre for all their help in putting this unique event on for our veterans. Many of our participants haven’t participated in sport in a long time – but that’s fine.

“They take part in as much or as little as they feel able; there’s no pressure and we have a team to support them with answers to their questions or simply provide encouragement in the individual activities.

“All abilities are welcome and there’s plenty to try your hand at. No matter when, where or how long you served, we welcome all members of the Armed Forces community.

“We provide equipment, accommodation, food, and travel support where necessary, so all we ask of a participant is to bring their competitive edge and a desire to be involved. We’re on hand to help you get involved, whatever your ability and there will be coaches from each sport to guide you.”

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps people live well after service. The charity supports veterans and their families with their physical and mental health, as well as welfare and social needs. It has already supported tens of thousands - and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.

The charity supports veterans from any branch of the UK military, regulars or reserves, irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians and their families who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.