A WORCESTERSHIRE NHS staff member has landed himself a spot on the podium of the British Indoor Rowing Championships 2024.
Mark Abel, an administrator in the Complex Discharge Team at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, secured a bronze medal in December’s competition.
The administrator secured bronze in the Indoor Adaptive Rowing 5 (IAR5) event for the open four minute category. He was representing We are Invictus, an international online community for wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women. Members can be serving or be veterans.
He also achieved fourth place in the IAR5 open 1 minute category, narrowly missing out on another bronze by just 11 metres.
Mark, who provides administrative support to nurses, has worked for the NHS for over 20 years, joining the Trust back in 2010.
Registered as severely visually impaired/blind and living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, Mark began his rowing journey in July 2024 as part of his preparation to represent Team UK at the upcoming Invictus Games in February 2025.
Mark previously won a silver medal in skiing at an international snow sports competition in 2023 representing the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team.
Reflecting on the experience, Mark said: “Walking into the arena was exciting yet nerve racking; I could feel the rush of adrenaline as I was being guided to my rowing station.
“As the race began, I focused on my pace and split times. Although I held the silver medal position until the final 30 seconds, I gave it my all and was thrilled to finish third.
“Winning the bronze medal was an unexpected but deeply rewarding moment, all thanks to the hard work and incredible support I’ve received from my teammates and the Royal British Legion.”
In addition to rowing, Mark will compete in alpine slalom skiing, swimming, and the skeleton at the upcoming 2025 Invictus Games in Canada.
Bernie Barron, Mark’s manager in the Acute Adult Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Team, said: “We are incredibly proud of Mark’s achievement.
“His talent and dedication continue to be a source of inspiration to us all. Congratulations Mark, from everyone here at the Trust.”
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust operates hospitals across the two counties including Malvern Community Hospital, Pershore Community Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital, Tenbury Community Hospital, Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, Worcester City Inpatient Centre, and the Wyre Forest Ward, Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre.
