Invictus Games athlete and Team UK captain Rachel Williamson will talk about mental health on Facebook Live during a series hosted by The Oppo Foundation
A sportswoman who was due to captain Team UK at the Invictus Games will open up about her mental health struggles.
Rachel Williamson was forced to give up her role as an RAF medic after suffering a life-changing injury while playing rugby.
She went on to compete in the Invictus Games two years ago and was granted the honour of leading the UK team this summer.
But with the games put on hold because of the pandemic, Rachel will instead be using social media to inspire others.
Today (Friday, June 5) she will give a talk on Facebook Live about her journey.
She said: “After being medically discharged and not knowing what to do next, I felt like a failure.
“I was told about the Invictus Games and was selected to represent Team UK in Sydney 2018 in indoor rowing and swimming which was a big turning point mentally and physically.
“Many people are struggling with their mental health right now and we all need as much support as possible to get through the pandemic.
“I hope that my Facebook broadcast will inspire and motivate anyone who is struggling right now.”
In 2018 Rachel, who lives in Exton, brought home two gold medals, three silver and one bronze.
As well as being team captain, she will also compete again at the event in The Hague in 2021.
Rachel’s talk is part of a series of broadcasts organised by The Oppo Foundation to help people struggling with mental health issues during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kayam Iqbal, who founded the charity in 2014 to help ex-military personnel on their return to civilian life, said: “Our objective is to provide inspirational speakers during Covid-19 and hopefully inspire people, motivate and importantly tackle any mental health issues people maybe facing.
“All our speakers have been through mental health issues of their own. To hear their stories could provide some real positive words of encouragement to the public.”
Listen live here at 4pm today.
