How we helped Stuart Robinson MBE

When Corporal Stuart Robinson was seriously injured in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2013, he knew the road to recovery would be a tough one. Despite such a difficult journey, Stuart’s determination, passion for sport, and support from the Fund has led to him representing Team GB Wheelchair Rugby at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Stuart, was on a routine patrol near Camp Bastion with 15 Squadron, RAF Regiment, when his vehicle hit an IED – the force was so strong that he was thrown 30 feet from the vehicle and the explosion left him with life changing injuries including the loss of his lower left leg and severe damage to his right leg and arm.

While recovering in hospital he took the difficult decision to have his shattered right leg amputated.

Stuart underwent intense rehabilitation at Headley Court where he had access to a specially adapted mountain trike which not only provided mobility but assisted in his rehabilitation and physical recovery.

Seeing that the trike would improve his quality of life at home and allow him to play with his son George, Stuart approached the RAF Benevolent Fund for assistance in buying the trike.

Stuart says: "I don't like asking for help but you can't do everything on your own. I was always quite active, playing rugby and football and the trike allows me to get out and also spend time with George outdoors. It's been really important for me to be able to do the things with him that I could before I was injured.

"The RAF Benevolent Fund have been there for my family through the hardest time. I was aware of their work but, of course, you never think you're going to need them – it's been reassuring knowing they are at the end of a phone whenever I have needed them."

The Fund also paid for housing adaptations for Stuart, as well a sports wheelchair which he used representing Team GB in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby, and a new one for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Originally introduced to the sport in 2014, Stuart first experience Wheelchair rugby success at the Invictus Games in 2016, winning a bronze medal. Following this he became part of the GBWR Talent development squad and was selected for the Paralympics GB’s Paralympic Inspiration Programme in 2016, where he attended the Rio games.

Stuart said: "Initially I had planned on getting a job once I had left the RAF. But then I found wheelchair rugby. I actually watched some of the 2012 Paralympic Games wheelchair rugby before I went out to Afghanistan. I was amazed watching these players wheeling round and smashing into each other. I started with wheelchair basketball but when I ran into an opponent and knocked him out of his chair, I was recommended to try out for wheelchair rugby. I joined a training camp and the rest is history!"

Since then, Stuart has been an integral part of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby team taking part in the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. With a score of 54-49 including 14 tries from Stuart, the final earned Stuart and the team a well-deserved first ever Gold medal for Great Britain in the Wheelchair Rugby.

Stuart said: "The Fund has been there 100% of the way throughout my journey. They helped me get to where I am now. I can’t wait to represent Team GB in this year’s Paris 2024 Paralympics and have my family and friends there to support."