Club announces its first ambassador

The Club is delighted to welcome Lee 'Frank' Spencer as an active member and its first ambassador. 'Frank' served for 24 years and, following an accident which resulted in the loss of his right leg, went on to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean with three other injured veterans in 2016. Then, as if that wasn't enough, in January 2019, Lee became the first physically disabled amputee to row across the Atlantic solo and, in the process, he also smashed the previous able-bodied record for solo rowing the Atlantic by over a month and gained two new World Records into the bargain! Now if that isn't inspirational, this author doesn't know what is.

Lee says "Since being medically discharged from the Corps, it has been obvious to me how our identities are so bound up with our time in the Royal Marines. We are defined by our service. When that service comes to an end, we old soldiers often struggle to readjust to our new lives in civvy street. We can sometimes feel lost and not know our place. Physical endeavour and the camaraderie of our fellow Bootnecks allows us to reconnect with the person we were, that person who defined what and who we were. Knowing who you are is a fundamental of mental wellbeing, its foundation we build the rest of our lives around.

My most recent rowing experience has been on my own and I'm relishing the chance to get out on the water and share the oars with my fellow Bootnecks, veterans and the civilian members."

Club Chairman, Dave Brain commented "The Club is thrilled to have such an inspirational man on board and involved in our Club. Lee is the epitome of rowing, having achieved truly momentous goals. His physical presence and drive will, without doubt, drive us and our Club to new heights!"

Find out more about Lee 'Frank' Spencer at leespencer.co.uk