An Army officer from Beccles is among the dedicated military support group helping Prince Harry make the inaugural Invictus Games an event to remember. Second Lieutenant Matt Brunsdon is proud to be among more than 300 members of the armed services on duty at the international multi sport event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, held at iconic London venues including the Lee Valley Athletic Centre and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The Invictus Games were held between September 10 and 14 and were launched by Prince Harry to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation of wounded service personnel and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

Teams of wounded service men and women have come together to compete from Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.

Working behind the scenes supporting athletes and their families from all the 13 competing nations are soldiers from the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, including 2nd Lt Brunsdon.

For them the games has a special resonance as a former member of their Regiment, Alex Tate, is competing for Great Britain in athletics. He was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2012 but thanks to the remarkable work of the MOD’s Defence Recovery Pathway and support from his unit and service charities he has transformed himself into a talented athlete.

2nd Lt Brunsdon, a former pupil at Sir John Leman High School in Beccles, has been in the army for 18 months.

The 24-year-old said: “I’m really proud to be here at the first Invictus Games. We’re here to support the civilian organisers to help make the event a success and give a military face to a military event.

“It’s a brilliant event with a really positive atmosphere, and it’s great to see so many members of the public coming to support wounded soldiers from around the world. For the competitors, it gives them a chance to show how they have bounced back to become international athletes after being wounded in action. To witness that should be an inspiration for anyone facing adversity in their life.”