Scotty Darroch served in the British Army for 10 years as a Corporal and Training Instructor. After finding the Invictus Games, he has raised more than £300,000 for local and military charities.
We caught up with Scotty to find out what he's up to now.
Scotty was born in Lockerbie, Scotland and joined the Army looking for purpose, structure and belonging. He served for 10 years with the Royal Logistics Corps as a Corporal and Training Instructor, and completed tours of Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Bosnia.
Throughout his time in the army Scotty began to struggle with his mental health. He continued to serve but things got increasingly difficult. It took 18 years for Scotty to ask for help, and when he did, he was diagnosed with complex PTSD.
Sport has always been part of Scotty’s life, and after his diagnosis he realised it would be a vital part of his recovery. He pushed himself through demanding physical challenges, and that drive led him to the Invictus Games.
He first competed in powerlifting at Invictus Games Orlando 2016. A year later in Toronto, he returned as captain of Powerlifting for of Team UK, an honour that saw him lead his teammates through the Games.
For Scotty, the Games were deeply rewarding. They gave him the chance to serve again and to feel part of the military community once more. He also made friendships and connections there that have lasted long after the Games ended.
Being part of the Invictus community sparked a passion in Scotty for helping others. He has since passed that impact on, taking on tough fundraising challenges to make a difference for others in the way the Invictus Games did for him.
The most gruelling of these was the ‘Carry the Load’ challenge, where he carried a 40kg washing machine known as WILMA across the West Highland Way. The washing machine was chosen to represent the invisible load of mental health struggles and represent the weight that those who suffer carry with them every day.
The West Highland Way is Scotland's best-known long-distance walking route, running 96 miles from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis.
It crosses lowland farmland, the banks of Loch Lomond, the open expanse of Rannoch Moor and the steep Devil's Staircase, before dropping into Glen Nevis. Even with just a rucksack, it is a significant challenge. Scotty took it on with a 40kg washing machine on his back, which made the demanding terrain and unpredictable Highland weather even more challenging.
Scotty said “being part of the Invictus Games gave me the belief and strength to take on the Carry the Load challenge. The community supported me throughout the walk showing that with the right support group, you can achieve anything”.
This year, Scotty hit an incredible fundraising milestone, raising a total of £300,000 for local and military charities, helping countless others along the way.
In 2027, the Invictus Games comes to Birmingham, and Scotty can't wait to feel the electricity and energy as recovery and rehabilitation takes centre stage. He hopes to volunteer at the Games, helping other people on their journeys, like others have helped him.
Scotty said “I cannot wait for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. The city will be electric, and it will mean so much to the Wounded, Injured and Sick community”.