A MAN who broke his back while serving in the RAF has praised Help for Heroes after the charity enabled him to continue playing sport.

Simon Coultish, from Catterick, gave up cricket when the pain from his injury became so great and he began to depend on a wheelchair.

However, earlier this year he contacted Help for Heroes after being confined to the house following two strokes and a major heart attack.

The former military chef did not want to remain dependent on his family and was looking for suggestions on how to occupy his time.

Within weeks, he was playing adapted cricket as approved by the England Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Mr Coultish said: “My involvement in cricket gets me out of the house and gives me something to look forward to which is exactly what I needed and has made such a massive difference to my life and to that of my family.

“My back won’t heal: the pain will never go away and, eventually, I will be in a wheelchair full time.

“I have come to terms with that but, in the meantime, cricket provides a distraction from that pain and, if I can get some months of enjoyment before that day comes, it’s a bonus.”

Following a two-day introductory course on adaptive cricket, held at the charity’s Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick Garrison, there are plans to hold fortnightly indoor net sessions.

Another introductory course is being held at Phoenix House on December 12 and 13.

Any wounded, injured or sick servicemen, women or veterans interested in attending should contact Paul Miles, Help for Heroes cricket development officer at sportsrecovery@helpforheroes.org.uk