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Former Royal Marine Ben Lukowski, 42, from Nottinghamshire, has recently begun attending Forest Forces events – marking another important step in his recovery journey and reintegration into civilian life.

Ben’s life took an unexpected turn in 2022 when he sustained a serious head injury in a car accident while on his way to pick up his daughter. The incident left him with a brain injury and led to his medical discharge after 16 years of service in the Royal Marines.

“I got injured about three years ago,” Ben recalls. “At the time, I was a bit lost. I didn’t really know where I was or what came next, but I knew I was getting discharged and needed to find a way to be part of the community again.”

As part of his rehabilitation, Ben threw himself into sport. His determination paid off at the 2025 Invictus Games in British Columbia, Canada, where he claimed two gold medals in indoor rowing, winning both the Men’s IR5 Four Minute Endurance and the Men’s IR5 One Minute Sprint. He also helped Team UK achieve a fourth-place finish in sitting volleyball and competed in alpine skiing.

In 2023, he pushed himself further by taking part in an expedition across the Australian Outback on a specialist trike – an adventure that underlined his resilience and refusal to be limited by injury.

A proud Nottingham Forest supporter, Ben was introduced to Forest Forces through his dad, who also supported him as a carer and provided transport to early sessions. The programme, run by Nottingham Forest Community Trust, hosts breakfast mornings and other events at the City Ground to help ex-service personnel connect, rebuild and enjoy some banter.

“It’s a good starting point to get together and chat,” says Ben. “I came with my dad and met so many great people. They really look after you and it makes you feel like you’re part of a family.”

Forest Forces is a veteran support initiative that aims to combat social isolation and nurture community among ex-military and public service personnel. Through a variety of social, physical, and wellbeing-focused activities, the programme helps participants rediscover purpose and build meaningful connections.

“There’s a great community within a community here,” says Ben. “I want to see younger veterans come along, bring a mate, get involved. A lot of guys just need someone to talk to or get advice from as they figure out their next step.”

Looking ahead, Ben has his sights set on even more ambitious goals. “I’m preparing for the Paralympics now and hoping for selection,” he says. “Just taking each day as it comes.”

For more information on Forest Forces and how to get involved, click here.