Hi my name is Caroline and I have been selected for the England Team in the 84+ Women's M1 category for Bench Press, at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships 2024 in South Africa. I am asking for donations to help me attend the championships as this is a self-funded sport with no grants available.

The Back Story:

I am an Army Veteran who was injured in service and ended up being medically discharged in May 2014 with both Mental and physical health issues sustained in military service. On leaving I felt worthless and that I had been thrown on the scrap heap, I gave up on myself. In early 2015 I was encouraged to attend an event to challenge people like me and use sport as a recovery tool. 9months later I was part of a team completing the Enduroman Arch to Arc Triathalon. 2016 saw me selected for the Team UK Invictus Games where I to part in lots of adaptive sports and started to find who I was and realised what I needed to work on to help myself.

Since then I have continued trying different sports to find the ones I most enjoy. Sport has helped me find a focus, deal with my anger better and challenge myself not just in the field of play, but also in studying and securing work.

Powerlifting?

I started having a go at Powerlifting in 2018, originally Para Powerlifting. Unfortunately, there were not many ParaPowerlifters about and even less domestic competitions. So I decided that I would move to British Powerlifting and regardless of the disadvantage I would be at due to my physical disability, I still wanted to have a go. Turns out I am stronger than I thought and benching is very well-suited to me.

After major surgery in October 2023 and contracting a serious infection post op, I set a goal. I wanted to be on the England Team for the Commonwealth Championships 2024. I trained hard using my logal Gym and took part in both the British and English Championships earlier this year. Though the hard work this time last year I was lifting 65kg at English Chamionships and this year I put up 87.5kg with a 92.5kg just not quite making it. I want 100+ by October and the Games.

What will I do with the money I hear you cry!

Well, Powerlifting is a self-funded sport, even at the elite international level. This means any athlete selected has to pay the entrance fee, drug testing fees, team kit has to be bought, flights, accommodation and food have to be paid for. Most of us will probably have to travel and attend with no support as costing out this event is going to be around £3000+

Cost Breakdown from now to the end of the competition:

Physio and Sports Therapy £250+

Coaching £400

Gym Fees £100

Training Camps Travel £200

Training Camp accommodation £200+

Flights Rtn from £800

Accommodation £900

Food £300

Tram Tracksuit £110

Team Slinglet £TBC

But what else, how could this help others?

Going back to my back story and how I was introduced to the sport.... Well, I love powerlifting so much and wanted to give back to charities that had supported me. In 2020 I signed up and completed my Level 2 Gym Instructor course and Level 3 Personal Trainer course, In 2021 I became an indoor rowing coach and in 2023 I completed the Level 1 & 2 powerlifting qualification and passed the Regional Referee exam. I now use all of this to give back, by coaching other veterans fro free to help them find their identity, self-worth and pride again. I volunteer to referee at local and national competitions so that everyone gets opportunities to lift and compete if they wish to. Plus I have just been appointed the Safeguarding Officer for the national governing body for the UK, British Powerlifting.

By working hard and getting to this level and attending these games I don't just achieve for myself, but I will also bring hope and determination to other people with disabilities or mental health problems to go out there and set themself challenges and goals to help make their lives better.

I will be posting updates here and you can follow me on my Instagram Team_Buckle for training videos and progress.