Former Invictus Games competitors take part in Prudential RideLondon

Take a look below at the stories of some of the former Invictus Games competitors taking part in the RideLondon this coming weekend. Keep an eye on the route, or on BBC 2, for Invictus Games Foundation cycling jerseys as they cycle past! If you want to support their fundraising, head to: https://bit.ly/2LVRu5B

Andrew Perrin did 12 years in the army (Royal Signals) before being medically discharged for Crohns in 2011.
He took part in the Invictus Games London 2014 and winning two golds in the cycling and then followed it up with a gold and silver in the Orlando 2016 Games. Since then Andrew has gone on to compete in the Race Across America and several Mountain bike challenges.   

His recovery journey has been greatly supported by the Invictus Games Foundation and Help for Heroes in terms of goal setting and having challenges to look forward to and maintain my health and fitness. In return for the support, Andrew works to try to help and return some of the goodwill he has received by becoming a Help for Heroes Ambassador and spreading the good word of both charities.

“I have taken my recovery journey a step forward by setting up a team with fellow Veterans (Jaco Van Gass and Stu Croxford) called KT18 which aims to show what veterans can accomplish but not on the backs of the charities necessarily but by supporting our own endeavours and sending out the message that veterans can achieve incredible things.”

He currently teaches at Belmont School in north London, and recently was the guest speaker at Rendcomb School. He actively shares his story to try to encourage pupils to take on their own challenges and share the things that he’s achieved.

Josh Boggi, from Reading, Berkshire spent 10 years in British Army, the majority was spent with 9 Sqn Royal Engineers. On NYE 2010 whilst out on a routine search patrol he stepped on an IED resulting in the loss of both of his legs, through knee, and his right arm, below elbow.

“In 2014 we were told this ‘sports thing’ was happening, so I got involved with what became the Invictus Games London 2014. I competed in Handcycling and came away with a Bronze from the Time Trials.

When I heard it was happening again in Orlando 2016 I knew I had unfinished business and applied again. Upon selection I took myself away and trained hard. I picked up 2 Silvers in the Time Trials and Criterium race and then that afternoon I went and did the indoor rowing winning 2 Golds in the 1 and 4 minute row.

It was great to be a part of the Games and to be competing alongside like-minded individuals. I used these opportunities as a huge stepping stone in my recovery to leading a normal life.”

Luke Darlington joined the Royal Marines in December 2009. He passed out of training in September 2010, joined 42 Commando and deployed on HERRICK 14 April 2011.

On the 25th August, 2011, Luke was injured via an IED explosion that led to a piece of shrapnel injuring his brain leaving him with a partial paralysis of the right side and a variety of Cognitive deficits.

After years of rehabilitation in the military. Luke left the Royal Marines in 2015 and went to work at Jaguar Land Rover after being introduced to the organisation at the inaugural Invictus Games in London 2014. He stayed with JLR for 2 years but after the birth of his first child he had to cut down on his commuting time.

After a brief spell working for Heineken he decided to leave manufacturing and seek out an environment that was more suited to his interests and passions.

“I am now an outdoor instructor at Go Ape. The Invictus Games was the first real catalyst that aided me with my transition out of the military and helped me rediscover who I was.”

If you wish to purchase an Invictus Games Foundation limited edition cycling jersey head to: https://www.themerchandisingshop.co.uk/shops/InvictusGames/591/products/12200/detail.html