Lincoln RAF veteran competing in Veteran Games in Israel
RAF veteran Mick Curran, from Lincoln, is participating in this year’s Veteran Games, taking place between 27 May and 2 June in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem.
First held in 2019, the Veteran Games will see 65 British wounded, sick and injured Armed Forces veterans travel to Israel with their families where they will compete with their Israeli counterparts who are battling similar challenges.
Mick Curran, 57, began his career in the RAF aged 17 in 1984 and went on to work as a policeman, serving for a total of 12 years. However, eight years into his career, Mick was involved in a car collision which resulted in severe continuous pain. As a result of his injuries, Mick was medically downgraded from Armed Police shift duties to working in RAF Police Special Investigations.
Mick has been diagnosed with multiple medical conditions including chronic fatigue, complex PTSD, neuropathic pain syndrome which doctors cannot work out the cause of, angina and disassociate disorder.
Mick discovered a passion for archery during his recovery. Mick said: “Archery has been a lifeline for me – I now shoot in county and national level competitions for my club Waterwheel Field Archers in Lincoln and the RAF Archery Association. It has helped me not only physically but mentally too.
The Fund has helped Mick with his archery, funding his equipment, mobility aids, short breaks away and recently in 2023, a new sports wheelchair. Mick explained: “I have only been able to do my archery activities because of the RAF Benevolent Fund – without the support I have received I wouldn’t have been able to get involved with the sport I now love. The Fund have enabled me to keep going and to have a positive outlook on life.”
He said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Veteran Games. I’m not the sportiest person but I will get stuck in as it will be in a relaxed environment with other veterans who have been through similar experiences. I can’t wait for the shooting exercises as I can use my archery skills.”
The Veteran Games recognise the fundamental role played by sport and family in supporting the ongoing recovery of veterans who have suffered physical and psychological challenges as a result of serving their country.
Veterans will compete in a variety of sports while learning how their respective countries provide care for those wounded, sick and injured in the service of their country. Ann will have the opportunity to meet and share common experiences with other veterans in a relaxed and supportive environment, while enjoying social activities and cultural events that will provide an insight into Israel’s rich heritage and history.
Mick will be representing the RAF Benevolent Fund in the 2023 Veteran Games in Israel, taking place on 27 May – 2 June 2023.