Golds and diamonds for Team Blesma at Invictus

Besma Members returned from the Invictus Games in Canada with a hatful of medals and lasting
memories of being part of the UK team.

Former Royal Irish Regiment soldier Andy Allen bagged medals in all four of his events at the nine-day tournament in February, which attracted more than 500 competitors from 23 nations.

“It was a phenomenal Games. The camaraderie, the banter and the feeling of being together and supporting each other were so strong,” said Andy, who played in the UK wheelchair rugby team that was edged out of the gold medal in a thrilling final against France.

“It is something you miss after service so any chance of rekindling that spirit is really welcome.”

Fellow Blesma Member Mac McLaren, a former Royal Highland Fusilier who captained the team, said: “Invictus was everything I hoped it would be and more. Seven of our 10 players had never played wheelchair rugby until six months ago, so silver was an incredible achievement.

“It was fantastic to see them gel as a team, and it was a proud moment to see them storm into the final.”

The wheelchair rugby games were all played on the same day, with the UK defeating New Zealand and Italy in pool games and then beating Australia in the semi-final before losing 14-19 to France.

Mac, from Gillingham, added: “We were up against a team that had been together for two years, so it was a great performance.” The 46 year old is now planning to pursue an ambassadorial role, mentoring veterans through future Invictus Games.

There was another gold for Blesma when James Cairns proposed to girlfriend Hannah at the start of the pool games. The 35-year-old former Yorkshire Regiment soldier, whose right leg was amputated after he was shot in Afghanistan in 2011, had the crowds cheering as he proposed on court.

James, from Holmfirth in West Yorkshire, who also competed in biathlon and swimming, said: ‘This is my gold medal moment!’ after Hannah accepted.