Royal Navy Recruit 'So Happy' To Win 18-Month Injury Battle

October 2018, Amy White arrives at HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall, to begin her 10-week basic training course.

The 21-year-old from Bedfordshire did not know it but she was to face an even tougher challenge than most recruits. 

Just four weeks in she developed multiple stress fractures in her foot, heel and ankle and was moved to the rehabilitation division to recover from her injury.

"It was hard at the time because I knew I’d be there a long time, but I stuck at it because being in the Royal Navy was something I really wanted," Amy said.

"I don’t do failure. In June 2019, my grandma passed away, which made me even more determined because I’d promised her that I would do it."

After nearly a year, Amy was allowed to return to full training but suffered a further set-back two weeks later when it became apparent her injuries were not fully healed.

She returned to rehab and six months later was declared fit to continue.

There were some nerves for Amy as she came back to the course: "I returned to training at week seven. I was excited, but it was also quite nerve-racking because I knew I had some really challenging training to face, such as initial military fitness, but my foot held up and I knew then that it had completely healed."

Having finally reached the end of the course, Amy was one of 51 recruits who took to the parade ground for their passing-out-parade.

Due to restrictions put in place whilst the UK deals with coronavirus, family and friends are currently not allowed to attend the parade, but instead watch via live-stream.

She continued: "I’ve met lots of people during my time at Raleigh and they all wanted to see me pass-out, so I had lots of family and friends watching the live-stream.

"There were times over the last 18 months when I thought I may have been discharged for medical reasons, but I’m now so happy that the Royal Navy stuck with me and I’ve finally achieved my goal."

With her first phase of training complete, Amy is now ready to undergo her specialist training at HMS Collingwood in Hampshire, to qualify as a communication and information systems specialist.

(Cover image: Amy White completes Royal Navy recruit training Picture: Royal Navy.)