Northumberland Sport Makes Jennifer’s Day
Since narrowly escaping with her life, aged just 22 after being caught in a roadside bomb in Iraq whilst serving with the armed forces, Jennifer Day has been on a remarkable journey. After being diagnosed with ‘Post Traumatic Stress Disorder’, which made it very difficult to find any suitable employment opportunities, Jennifer has gone back to her roots and her first passion for horses and with the help of Northumberland Sport is on her way to becoming a fully qualified level 2 show jumping coach.
Northumberland Sport’s ‘Bringing the Games Closer’ project aims to develop more coaches like Jennifer through the coach bursary scheme, which is also supported by the English Federation of Disability Sport which aims to develop more coaches and young leaders with disabilities across the county. This project is a commitment by Northumberland Sport to bring the spirit and excitement of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games closer by ensuring a lasting legacy for sport across the county.
Jennifer from Cramlington in Northumberland said;
“My narrow escape in Iraq was just one of several close shaves as I also lived under the daily threat of suicide bombers and non-stop gunfire. Rewards were also being offered by the local militia of up to $270 for the capture of any female soldier.
After returning from Iraq, things were never the same. I did initially find a job in Newcastle but due to my diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, found myself and my life going downhill, which ended with me having to leave my job after four years.
Northumberland Sport’s grant has enabled me to gain the coaching qualification required to do what I enjoy doing most. Through my coaching, I now hope to be able to pass on my knowledge and experiences in the equestrian world, which are exciting times with the London 2012 Games on the horizon.”
Andrew Tunnah, Coach Development Manager for Northumberland Sport said;
“Having been referred to us by the regional development officer for British Showjumping to see if Northumberland Sport could assist in making a contribution towards Jennifer’s level 2 coach training costs, I advised her to apply for our bursary grant and was only too pleased to report that her application for £400 had been successful.
The nearest training course was based in Nottingham which demonstrates Jennifer’s commitment, dedication and passion for her sport. Her story is remarkable and we will continue to support Jennifer in her role as a coach, which we hope, will inspire many more to take up the sport in Northumberland.”
Vicky Hart, Northern Development Officer for British Showjumping said;
“The funding from Northumberland Sport will be a huge help to Jennifer in enhancing and developing her career in coaching. She is well underway with gaining her UKCC Level 2 qualification and having completed the 4 day course she is currently completing her portfolio under the guidance of her mentor Philippa Curry (formerly McKeever). The final step in the process in gaining her UKCC L2 will be attending an assessment day early next year.
The work Jennifer will be able to do as a result of gaining this qualification will be invaluable to the centres that she works in as well as British Showjumping. Without the support of Northumberland Sport Jennifer’s ambitions as a UKCC level 2 coach would not have been possible, and as the Northern Development Officer for British Showjumping it is a delight to hear that Northumberland Sport has been so supportive of our sport.”
To find out more about Northumberland Sport’s coach bursary scheme and the other strands of the ‘Bringing the Games Closer’ project, which include training grants for outstanding young sportspeople in the county, please visit www.northumberlandsport.co.uk or phone 01670 534449. For all your local coach development information, please visit www.coachingnorthumberland.co.uk
Written byAndrew Tunnah (Coach Development Manager for Northumberland Sport)