James was on a tour of Helmand Province with the 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment in 2009 when he stood on the pressure plate of an improvised explosive device (IED) and his life changed forever.
In addition to a broken pelvis and tail bone, James lost both legs above the knee, after which he suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),anxiety, weight gain and depression for several years.
However, with the support of family and friends, James was able to get the help he needed and has come full circle.
He decided to get back into fitness and, with it, became a para-athlete and appeared at the Invictus Games in 2018, where he competed in the wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball events, winning silver and bronze medals.
He then went on to take up rowing and hand cycling and is now an avid mountain climber in the UK and across the world.
The Yorkshire Regiment got back in touch with James in 2020,at the height of the pandemic when it was helping SSGC recruit and supply manned guarding services to Covid-19 test centres on the behalf of the government.
James decided to take on this role, once again serving his country during a period of great importance. This was his first proper role since he was injured, and he was surprised at how much he enjoyed it.
He said: “I never knew I would enjoy working so much either but jumped at the opportunity to work at SSGC and love the routine of working at the company today.
“After a few months of working with SSGC, David Stubbs got in touch to discuss the role of area recruitment manager. It was a fabulous opportunity and I jumped at it and have never looked back.
“Throughout my journey with the business, SSGC has been incredibly supportive about my passion to help anyone overcome and deal with mental health issues they may have. My disability has never really been a barrier to what I have been able to achieve with the company, and for that I am extremely grateful.
“The business has provided me with financial support towards my mountain climbs and has also,without hesitation, given me paid time off work to give talks to other companies about the importance of speaking up if, and when you are struggling.”
