Former police officer fundraising for Intrepid Games

Kerry Snuggs was medically retired from the police service after suffering a leg injury while on duty

A medically retired police officer wants to bring hope to former emergency service workers with an event similar to the Invictus Games.

Kerry Snuggs is fundraising to launch the Intrepid Games, a sports event for service workers who have been injured or disabled while on duty.

The former Hampshire police officer said she needed to raise £25,000 for the first event.

She said there was currently nothing like it on offer in the UK and wanted to get it up and running "as soon as possible".

Ms Snuggs, who lives in Fareham, was inspired to create the event after seriously injuring her leg while on duty in 2014.

She and a colleague had been trying to save a vulnerable person and she was later also diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

After 21 years of service as a police officer, she was medically discharged five years ago and said she was determined to offer help to those who may be struggling as she did.

Ms Snuggs served as a police officer for 21 years and says she felt "out on a limb" after her injury

Ms Snuggs has now created the Intrepid Games Foundation and is eventually planning to hold the first sports event at the home of the Paralympics - Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire.

She said: "The Invictus Games unfortunately doesn't cater for emergency services personnel, but hopefully we'll be our own entity.

"The point is to encourage people to adapt and overcome some of their problems, to offer support that they might not have had when they left service and really create a community surrounding them and their families to give them focus and purpose."

Sitting volleyball helped Ms Snuggs find purpose after her injury and inspired her idea for the Intrepid Games

Ms Snuggs said she "hid it well" when she was struggling after leaving the police service.

Along with the support of her family and friends, she said her service dog and discovering sitting volleyball changed her life for the better.

She now plays for the South Hants Volleyball Club and has seen the benefits sports can bring post-injury.

"I'd never played volleyball in my life. I remember when I arrived there, I just felt at ease," she said.

"I think it gives you a camaraderie like when you were in the police, you've got the banter, the understanding about your disability.

"They've given me part of my life back, I'd love to give that to other people."

Ms Snuggs said she has had interest from companies to sponsor the event, although nothing is confirmed.

She added: "I believe there are others out there struggling like I did, so nothing is standing in my way, I just want to give some hope to people."