by Alan Quick

THE Amber Foundation Centre, Ashley Court at Chawleigh welcomed former Team Leader and Invictus Games Toronto 2017 double cycling gold medal winner Karl Allen-Dobson on Friday, October 27.

Karl, invited by former colleague Ian Chattington, shared his inspiring story with residents at Ashley Court, the centre which helps homeless, unemployed young people move on to positive, independent futures.

Karl, was invalided out of the Army after shrapnel from a rocket almost ripped his arm off in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Karl Allen-Dobson, joined the army as a 16-year-old straight out of Paignton Community College, and became a Grenadier Guardsman.

He had served in the Army for eight years without suffering so much as a scratch and had not been in Iraq for very long when the blast hit in 2006.

He was due to leave the army four weeks later.

It was while he was reading letters from home in a cabin on his base that a rocket hit, sending a 4cm shard of metal into his shoulder.

Karl underwent therapy at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmigham after the attack.

After his medical discharge, Karl spent time in recovery and is now a father, enjoys riding regularly with Mid Devon Cycling Club and regularly competes in races and other events.

He is a full-time Paignton youth worker and was delighted to be selected to compete in the Invictus Games in Canada.

On his return to Dartmouth Road YMCA Karl received a hero’s welcome.

While he only has 40 per cent feeling in that arm, Karl said he didn’t want to make a big thing of his taking part in the Toronto games.

He explained: “I didn’t want to boast about it, there was a lot of pressure on anyway and I wanted to keep a low profile. But now it is all done and dusted I’m fine.”

The 35-year-old’s success has not been without its hard work and dedication, training six days-a-week often with double sessions some days for strength and conditioning.

He particularly thanked his coaches, his cycle club colleagues and Colin Lewis Cycles.

“Without those and my cycling network, my family and friends who massively supported me and my employer who has been really understanding, I wouldn’t have been able to compete," he said.

“There are a lot of thank you’s to be done.”

He said taking part in the games for service veterans had been beyond his expectations.

“The only quiet place I had was the hotel room, the atmosphere in the hotel lobby with athletes from 17 nations in the one hotel was just amazing.”

Karl, who lives in Paignton, said: “I’d like to race in the British Cycling calendar, perhaps more with para cycling.”

ASHLEY COURT

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Ashley Court has extensive facilities that include a gym, music room, art room, computer room and recreation room. In the grounds around the house are a football pitch and tennis courts and a small wood.

Peaceful yet close to local amenities and a railway station, Amber’s Ashley Court centre gives young people the time and space to rebuild their lives.

Up to 30 young people stay at Ashley Court at any one time. Teamwork plays a crucial part and under the guidance of Team Leaders young people learn to respect and support each other which we believe is as valuable as the more practical skills we teach. This is enhanced by our Personal Development Programme and Teamwork and Leadership Course that involve personal fitness and a wide range of outdoor activities that help young people gain confidence, build self-esteem, learn to communicate better, and improve their problem-solving and team-working skills.