Battling back from the darkness

This session is for men only

International Men's Day 2024 invites us to pay attention to our role models. They can be men we know and men we don't know, and they can be men we haven't yet met. Peter Lauder is one such man.

Peter is an inspiration to others. Hear about his journey from a dark and overwhelmingly challenging place, to a life where he now has a level of fulfilment he would never have thought possible. Peter will tell you about his experience of resilience and what that means to him, and then he will open up to a conversation with his audience.

Why not join us?

Here is part of an article from the British Legion magazine:

Pete served as an Intelligence Analyst in the RAF for 23 years and was deployed on several tours including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo.

In 2015, Pete began experiencing hip problems, which remained undiagnosed for nearly a year. Things spiralled as he experienced ongoing health difficulties, and he was eventually discharged from the RAF.

In 2015, Pete began experiencing hip problems, which remained undiagnosed for nearly a year. He was eventually diagnosed with a labral tear, and though surgery provided temporary relief, the pain soon returned.

As the pain worsened, he became nearly immobile. Imaging later revealed he had Necro Femur and wear-and-tear fractures.

In early 2020, Pete underwent a hip replacement which extended to the knee, resulting in nerve damage, loss of feeling and one leg shorter than the other.

“We went straight into a COVID lockdown after my surgery, so I had no rehab. I had to learn to walk again on my own. This, coupled with being discharged from the military and no job or income, meant I was in a dark place.”

Pete was encouraged to apply for the by two ex-Team UK competitors, after a challenging few years dealing with his injury, family health crises and a cancer scare.

"I play WC rugby league with two ex-Invictus Games competitors, and they encouraged me to re-apply this year, given the positive experiences they’d recently had at the Games.

"I was buzzing when I finally got the call to say I’d been selected. I’m still on a massive high; it’s been hard keeping it all under wraps."

“This will be a great way to connect with like-minded people.

“If I can bring back learnings from the Games and try to get more adaptive sports happening in Norfolk that’ll be a bonus!”

The team has been training at the , where adaptive sports and adventure activities are used to boost confidence and improve mental health and wellbeing.

Access to adaptive sports and the chance to compete in the Invictus Games are just some of the ways the RBL supports the wounded, injured, and sick in the Armed Forces community. This helps individuals in their recovery, whether returning to Service duty or making a smooth transition to civilian life.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Fulbourn Hospital Resource Centre, Fulbourn, United Kingdom