March 12, 2025 – A woman from County Durham who completed tours of Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Afghanistan with the Army, wants to encourage other women who served to try adaptive sports.

Denise Kidger, who is 54 and lives in Seaham, served for 22 ½ years in total after joining the Women’s Royal Army Corps, but unfortunately was medically discharged in 2014 after injuries to her shoulder, knee, neck and back. Her injuries mean that she is now in constant pain, which affects her day-to-day life. Denise has been supported by veterans’ Charity Help for Heroes for a number of years and recently attended their Community Sports Series event for the first time.

Denise said: “Attending the Sports Series event has been a revelation for me. I’ve always believed that exercise and being active is key to helping manage physical and mental health challenges. 

“I’ve been to Invictus training camps before, which are aimed at elite level. The atmosphere at the Sports Series was so inclusive and it helped to show me the possibilities of what anyone can do. It was great to meet like-minded people and to feel included. I want to send a message to other women who have served like me, that they should have a go.”

There are more than 22,600 veterans living in the County Durham area, and Denise feels more could benefit from adaptive sports.

Sports Series events are part of the Charity’s recovery programme and offer the chance to try a range of adaptive sports, such as netball, boccia, walking rugby, wheelchair rugby and basketball, yoga, rowing and powerlifting. Many people join the armed forces, because they enjoy being active and sports – but when they leave that outlet can be taken away from them. Being physically active can help manage pain from injuries and improve mental health. The Sports Series events are supported by national sporting bodies and the aim is to give people a taste of adaptive sports and introduce them to local clubs.

Denise added: “People travel from all over the country to take part in these events and if they are anything like me, they will go home feeling positive and energised. The fact that costs of travel, accommodation and food are all covered is a massive plus for people.”

There is a programme of six Community Sports Series events for 2025, which take place all over the UK, and are open to veterans and their families, from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service.  For more information go to www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/sports-social-activities   

This year the Community Sports Series events are being sponsored by Cotton Traders. The British clothing retailer is the UK’s leading military charity’s longest-standing partner raising almost £2 million since 2011.