Nominated by Help for Heroes, Catherine is an exceptional Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor (ERI) and physiotherapist who always goes the extra mile to ensure her patients receive the best rehabilitation. However it is her “amazing capacity to inspire those injured to get involved in sport as part of their recovery” that encouraged the judges to consider Catherine’s nomination further.
One example of Catherine’s support for her patients was during the 2011 UK Ironman. She assisted three wounded servicemen so that they could complete their portions of the course:
- a triple amputee in the 2.4mile swim
- a bilateral amputee in a hand cycle race
- a second bilateral amputee competing in the marathon in a racing wheelchair
Help for Heroes Director of Recovery, David Richmond, wrote in his nomination:
“This completely unselfish approach is the hallmark of this dedicated woman who has given so much to the rehabilitation of Service Personnel with complex injuries. She has helped inspire, motivate and train individuals in adaptive sport.”
Catherine Cornwell was recognised at the 2015 Soldiering On Awards held on Saturday, 18th April at the Park Plaza Westminster in London.
The 2015 Soldiering On Award winners included:
- Family Values – Amy & Stuart Robinson (nominated by RAF Association)
- Training and Rehabilitation – Catherine Cornwell (nominated by Help For Heroes)
- Sporting Endeavour – Murray Hambro (nominated by Veterans of War)
- Against All Odds – Andy Reid (nominated by ABF The Soldiers Charity)
- Courage – Luke Wigman (nominated by RAF Benevolent Fund)
- The Trustees’ Special – Grahame Jones (nominated by SOTLT)
- Canine Partner – Memphis & Mick McConnell (nominated by RAF Benevolent Fund)
- Innovation – Steve McCulley (nominated by Help for Heroes)
- Lifetime Achievement – Guinea Pig Club (nominated by RAF Benevolent Fund and BLESMA)
- The People’s Choice Award – The Gurkha Welfare Trust (voted for by the readers of The Daily Telegraph)
