As darkness fell, ‘I AM Invictus’ shone across the Thames onto each tower of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The message came as the final countdown began to the event launched by Prince Harry in March, with just one week left for Londoners to get their tickets at www.invictusgames.org

Next Wednesday 10 September sees the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover. Four days of sporting action will follow at venues made famous by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, before a spectacular Closing Concert on Sunday 14 September headlined by the Foo Fighters.

‘I AM’ has become a signature for the more than 400 wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women, serving and veteran from 13 nations that have served alongside one another, who will do battle in nine adaptive sports. Invictus is the Latin for ‘unconquered’, a word that embodies their fighting spirit and what they can achieve, post-injury. William Ernest Henley’s famous 1875 poem of the same title proclaims strength in the face of adversity and ends: ‘I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul’. People have been Tweeting #I AM in support.

One of those representing the home nation is British Army veteran Lance Corporal Derek Derenalagi. In 2007 he was on a tour of duty in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). The 39-year-old, born in Fiji, was pronounced dead before medical staff preparing his body for a body bag found a pulse. Derenalagi lost both legs as a result of his injuries. He went on to represent Great Britain at the London 2012 Summer Paralympics and next week goes for Gold in the 100m, 200m, Shot and Discus.

LCpl Derek Derenalagi said: “My journey from losing my legs in Afghanistan to where I am today has not been easy. There have been so many ups and downs along the way. But it’s all worth it. Sport has really changed the way that I look at things. Taking challenges as they come has really helped my recovery. I’m just so thankful to be alive today. Losing my lower limbs, it’s not really a big deal. To be part of the British Armed Forces team in the Invictus Games and doing four different disciplines, I’m looking forward to it. I’ll try to make us all proud.”