Two years into her Geology degree, hockey player Francesca Butler suffered a life-changing ankle injury while playing the sport for the University.
Frankie, 25, describes her undergraduate experience as ‘unorthodox’. Before her injury, the Geology and Petroleum Geology graduate was an international hockey player, representing both Scotland and England with 15 junior international caps to her name.
After coming to Aberdeen from Buckinghamshire, she joined the University’s Women’s Hockey Club (AUWHC) in their 1st XI. She swiftly became the top goal scorer and a regular recipient of Man of the Match awards and Aberdeen University Sports Blues.
But in 2019, a week before a trial for Scotland’s Women’s National Field Hockey Team, Frankie suffered a life-changing injury while on the pitch playing for the University.
Frankie says: “Outside of hockey, I was also part of the University of Aberdeen’s Athletics Club and competed at British Universities and Colleges Sport indoor national competitions in 200m and long jump.
“I was an avid outdoorswoman, hiking the Highlands in my spare time and taking myself on my own geological excursions.
“But since that day I have not been able to walk and I cannot play the game that gave me so much.”
Months of uncertainty led to full ankle reconstructive surgery and Frankie was diagnosed with a rare pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – a condition that causes persistent, severe and debilitating pain.
“Being told at 20 your athletic career is over was devastating. Your coping mechanisms are gone, you are unable to attend University due to the pain and life feels pretty much over. I never felt so low. Unsurprisingly, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression, anxiety and complex PTSD.”
Frankie began using a wheelchair and lockdown was spent “mastering the wheels”. Since then, she has trained to do hill sprints up and down the Chilterns, building up strength and confidence. She has also completed half marathons, trail races and a full marathon in April 2022, all on her day chair.
The injury and resulting PTSD has had an impact on Frankie’s life and studies. Despite this, she is determined to focus on the positives and hopes to eventually return to the hockey pitch.
She explains: “No matter how long and difficult this road is ahead of me, I will never give up.
“I am now on crutches full-time and have completed two 5K park-runs so far this year. I also competed in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival in May in the relay event.
“I hope that one day I will get to play hockey again. I know I will never be able to sprint and fly through the pitch the way I used to and the way I was known for. But hockey once more might become part of my life.”
After taking time to focus on her recovery, Frankie resumed her studies in 2022 and is graduating six years on from commencing her studies. And her course has helped her heal in its own way.
“I joined the University in the first place because it was very highly ranked for Geology. I was incredibly impressed with the Geology department staff, their enthusiasm and excellence in teaching.
“I still love to explore the countryside and try and tackle different terrains, so I was ready for whatever the Geology field trips had to throw at me! I was incredibly excited to complete my first field trips with the University in March and April.
“A huge thank you has to go to the School of Geology for their unwavering support and belief in me.”
So, what are Frankie’s plans now she’s graduated?
“Complete a Masters and PhD in Volcanology, relearn how to walk and beat CRPS!”