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NHS worker bags bronze medal at British Indoor Rowing Championships

Mark Abel (pictured right), Administrator in the Complex Discharge Team at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, secured a bronze medal at the British Indoor Rowing Championships 2024.

Representing ‘We are Invictus’, an online community for all international wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women, serving or veteran, Mark had his bronze breakthrough in the Indoor Adaptive Rowing 5 (IAR5) open 4 minutes category.

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.”

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!”

In addition to rowing, Mark will compete in alpine slalom skiing, swimming, and the skeleton at the upcoming 2025 Invictus Games in Canada.

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