Wounded war veteran Darren inspires rugby starlets

March 12, 2018

Head Boy, Toby, with former soldier, Darren Carew.

Military veteran Darren Carew gave a captivating and inspirational half-an-hour talk and led a rugby coaching session for pupils at Monmouth School Boys’ Prep.

Darren is now a qualified coach with the Welsh Rugby Union and was invited to Monmouth by the school’s head boy, Toby, aged 10, on  Friday 9th March.

The afternoon included a raffle of memorabilia, including a Welsh rugby shirt signed by George North and books written by former Glamorgan and England cricketer Steve James, to raise money for Toby’s chosen charity – ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

While in the army, Darren served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Iraq. However, his life changed when his armoured vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while travelling in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Darren suffered a mild traumatic brain injury and damage to his foot and ankle that would lead to an amputation four years later.

Toby said: “Darren talked to the boys about his experiences in the army.

“Our school loves rugby and I thought Darren gave an inspiring talk and really caught the boys’ imagination.

“It was my idea to bring Darren to Monmouth but I must thank my parents, Darren, and the school for making it happen, and helping to raise money for my chosen charity for the year.”