Beneficiary Spotlight - Pete Roberts -

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« Back	Post Date: Monday, February 21, 2022
Beneficiary Spotlight - Pete Roberts Pete Roberts served for ten years as a Senior Aircraftsman in the RAF before suffering from a prolapsed disc whilst exercising. Through an On Course Foundation Introductory Golf Event in conjunction with the Battle Back Centre, Pete was introduced to golf for the first-time.

Beneficiary Spotlight

Name: Pete Roberts

Regiment: 90 Signals Unit

Rank: Senior Aircraftsman

Why did you decide to join the military?: The main reason was to have a stable and life-long job in order to be able to support my young new family. There is a rich history of family members (including my brother who is currently serving) who served in the Air Force so there was lots of encouragement.

Date joined: May 2008

Length of service: 10 Years

Why did you leave the military?: I was medically discharged as a result of a prolapsed L5S1 disc which quickly degenerated, causing me to need the discs fused surgically together.

How did this injury/illness occur?: I wish there was a better story to how I got my injury but I’m afraid it was as simple as trying to maintain a high level of fitness so that I could perform at the highest level.

When and how did you hear about On Course Foundation?: I was fortunate enough to hear of the Battle Back Centre in Lillleshall and whilst attending other rehab courses I saw that the On Course Foundation were running a week long course as an introduction to golf. I decided to give it a go as it was never a sport that I saw myself playing. I didn’t actually think that I would be able to with the restrictions in my back.

What was your golfing experience prior to joining On Course Foundation?: Like I said before, it was never a sport that I saw myself playing and even before the injury I found it boring. I had tried to swing a club a few times but this was only when messing about with friends at a driving range. At this point I was trying to demolish the ball by hitting it as hard as I could, thinking that this was how you got the distance……I’ve come a long way since those days though!

Your most memorable experience of On Course Foundation so far: The main thing for me was the interaction with the other guys and girls. With my injury I found myself becoming very closed off from friends and family and wouldn’t involve myself with activities like I would have previously.

Sport has always been a huge part of my life and I continue to see it that way, except now I know I’m not able to do what I once was and I’ve learnt to accept that. Golf with OCF has taught me that I’m not alone with my worries and fears after becoming injured and there are many other individuals with far more serious injuries than me. Seeing them get to a point where they can continue to enjoy sport has really spurred me on.

Through my time with OCF I’ve found that competitive edge again that I thought I’d lost. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to attend many of the events and have gained much needed advice from the fantastic coaches that OCF provide.

I have invested both financially and emotionally in golf and it has now become my go to stress reliever when things get tough or my injury is causing me problems. I am forever thankful for the time and patience that all the beneficiaries and staff have given and I was more than happy to donate to the Foundation this year so that I could give something back for all that they have given me.

Hopefully someone else will be able to benefit from the work of OCF.

Your employment experience so far: Since leaving the Air Force I have been fortunate enough to set up my own Company as a Telecoms Engineer Contractor. I owe my gratitude to OCF for this because of the confidence that they have given me to go on and push to be better.

What do you hope to gain from On Course Foundation in the future?: I hope to get a better handicap and compete in the Simpson Cup at some stage. I would also like to be able to help other individuals who were in a similar position to me 18 months ago with their recovery through the game of golf.

It's been great to follow Pete's progress since he joined On Course Foundation in 2018 and it's amazing to hear that the confidence he has gained through our events has helped him to set up his own company. We look forward to continuing to monitor his progress and wish him luck in his working life.

ABOUT US

On Course Foundation continue to provide positive provision for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans - supporting their recovery and transition to civilian life through confidence building golf events and opportunities for employment in the golf industry.

As a sport, golf offers a unique platform where players of all skills and backgrounds can compete healthily, improving not only their physical but mental strength too. With many lacking self- belief, it’s our aim to help our beneficiaries realise their potential and set them on a fulfilling path.

Formed in 2010, we have seen first-hand that that participation in golf can have a profound positive effect on the rehabilitation of our beneficiaries.