Greenwich Hospital has awarded a £79,000 grant to the BOWRA Foundation in support of its Engage to Recover programme, which aims to support former Royal Navy veterans and their families recovering from stroke, brain injuries and neurological conditions.
The Engage to Recover programme delivers tailored physical activity and wellbeing initiatives that get veterans working towards recovery and is inclusive of families. The programme helps to rebuild resilience, restore confidence, and strengthen family relationships. Progress and impact are assessed through ongoing surveys, alongside attendance data and qualitative feedback collected annually.
This award builds on Greenwich Hospital’s previous £47,500 grant, which enabled the BOWRA Foundation to expand its physical activity programme led by a dedicated Veterans Activities Manager.
Founded in 2014 by Lt Col Mark Bowra MBE, a Special Boat Service officer who suffered a life-changing stroke at age 39, BOWRA draws from Mark’s own recovery journey to deliver a wide range of imaginative and inclusive activities that foster camaraderie and promote physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
In addition to its activity programmes, the BOWRA Foundation distributes BOWRA Bags—innovative collections of tools and aids designed to improve dexterity, mobility, memory, communication, and independence.
Deirdre Mills, Director of Greenwich Hospital, said:
“At Greenwich Hospital, we believe that recovery is not just about rehabilitation—it’s about restoring hope, connection, and purpose. The BOWRA Foundation’s Engage to Recover programme captures that spirit perfectly, empowering veterans and their families to rebuild their lives together after injury. We are helping to expand a programme that reflects the courage, resilience, and needs of the Royal Navy community.”
Sue Mosley, Chief Executive of Bowra, said:
“We want to thank Greenwich Hospital for their continued trust and support. This funding allows us to reach more Royal Navy veterans and families with our Engage to Recover programme—helping them overcome physical and mental challenges together. Our mission is to promote recovery through shared experience, resilience, and teamwork, values that lie at the very heart of the Armed Forces community.”
