AN ex-servicewoman from Barnard Castle is in line for a posthumous award in recognition of the inspirational work she did.
Anna Kelton, who suffered a debilitating injury during a training exercise with the Royal Navy, died in August last year but her memory and determination lives on.
The Invictus Games double gold medalist was announced as a finalist in the Soldiering On Awards 2019, after being nominated by ex-serviceman’s charity Sporting Force.
Jacqui Nicholson, of Sporting Force, said: “We nominated Anna for the Inspiration award in recognition of a person or group who have overcome significant challenges, injury or disability and whose achievements are an inspiration to others.
“Anna was one of our beneficiaries and attended a course with us to teach PE in schools. She was top of the class. Everyone on the course was blown away by her.
“She was absolutely amazing and she never let anything put her off. She was just a force to be reckoned with.”
Miss Kelton emerged first in the course, which was held in conjunction with Sheffield United, despite being confined to a wheelchair while others were more able-bodied. Ms Nicholson said: “She was all set to go for it [providing PE training to school pupils] when her health deteriorated and she went blind.”
After the training incident in 2011 Miss Kelton was diagnosed with a conversion injury which caused her to lose the use of her legs, her full sight, despite it partially returning, and occasional memory loss.
While receiving treatment and serving with the recovery cell HMS Drake, in Plymouth, she proved her determination by rowing to double victory in the first Invictus Games in 2014. Later her achievement was recognised through a Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show when she was welcomed on stage by Prince Harry who championed the Invictus Games.
Following her death, the Prince wrote: “Anna personified all that the Invictus Games stands for. Her resilience in the face of her
diagnosis and her determination to overcome it and live life to the fullest is what made her such a well-liked and respected member of the UK Invictus Games team.
“She was known for her consistently positive attitude and beaming smile – her interest in the welfare of others and caring concern for all made her particularly special.”
Winners of the Soldiering On Awards will be announced on Monday, April 15.
