Determined Royal Navy recruit overcomes injury to fulfil promise to dying gran to finish military training
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Dogged recruit Amy White arrived at HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall, to begin her basic training in October 2018.
But just four weeks into the 10-week course, the 21-year-old developed multiple stress fractures in her foot, heel and ankle and was moved to the rehabilitation division to recover.
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Hide AdLittle did she know, the injury would be the start of an 18-month battle to overcome it and finally bag her dream job in the Senior Service.
Amy said: ‘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.
‘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 setback two weeks later when it became apparent that her injuries were not fully healed. She returned to rehab and six months later was pronounced fit to continue.
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Hide AdThe Fareham recruit said: ‘I returned to training at week seven. I was excited, but it was also quite nerve-wracking 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 now 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 the restrictions as the UK deals with the coronavirus, family and friends are currently not allowed to attend the parade, but instead watch via live-stream.
Amy said: ‘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.’
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Hide AdIn recognition of her determined efforts Amy was awarded the Stuart Cup at her passing-out parade.
With her first phase of training complete, Amy has now started her specialist training at HMS Collingwood, in Fareham, to qualify as a communication and information systems specialist.
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