An amputee bowler named Bowler became England’s first athlete in action at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in a triumph over adversity.
Craig Bowler, 43, lost both his legs and an arm when he tried to take his own life 15 years ago on an electricity pylon.
He spent nearly two months in a coma before he was “nursed back to life” by his physio assistant Abby – now his wife.
Their two children Max and Tilly will be cheering him on at Leamington Spa today in the men’s para lawn bowls after his opening match against Scotland.
Suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 45 and Craig wants to raise awareness as he battles for gold at the Birmingham Games.
He said: “After what happened, I had to turn all the negatives into positives.
“You have to talk about it so others can learn from your experience.
“Opening up about mental health is such a massive thing, especially in men.”
A moving film shot by Beatmedia is now used by Team England to highlight the importance of his incredible story.
On his suicide bid, Craig said: “One morning I woke up and decided I didn’t want to be here anymore.
“I can’t remember it happening, I just remember waking up a month-and-a-half later in hospital. That day, I just remember being happy I didn’t die.”
He met Abby in physio sessions when she would ice his legs and still calls her the “Ice Queen”. Doctors told him it would take three -and-a-half years to walk on prosthetics.
He managed it in six weeks but he also uses a wheelchair in competitions.
Abby says: “Men need to know once you get talking, then burdens might lift, advice might be given. Hopefully, it can set them down a better path and not a disastrous path. He doesn’t want anyone to feel how he felt at that time.”
Max added: “He can still do so much even though it seems impossible. I hope he wins a gold.”
Craig, of Milton Keynes, Bucks, is competing alongside his partner Kieran Rollings.
They lost their first game 23-12 against Scotland’s Kevin Wallace and Garry Brown but go again today in a round robin event.
Craig said he is now hooked on bowls, which he took up after his amputations, despite thinking it was for old men.
He added: “If someone offered me my old life, with legs and arms, or this life, I’d choose this life any day of the week. I’ve got a better life now.”
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
