Harry and his heroes are a pure inspiration
The good work that Prince harry and his committee have achieved with the Invictus Games in Toronto is invaluable. James Shanks, my father, was in the Irish Guards. he was wounded in World War II when his unit was blown up. he was the only survivor. After two years’ rehabilitation in hospital, my father was discharged fit and lived to the age of 96. It is that selfsame rehabilitation, physical and mental, that is so important. We were all inspired by harry’s Invictus Games in 2014 and now in 2017, and of course the Paralympic Games. To help support these events, the Capital Arts Children’s Choir has released an album, heroes 2. It features popular crossover music and is available on Amazon. The choir is joined by singers and instrumentalists from the professional musical theatre and opera world. From the sale of each CD, £5 goes to help for heroes: half to be used to fund a general rehabilitation programme and half to support those wounded in conflict who have gone on to achieve athletic prowess. We aim to help these athletes fulfil their dream of taking part in the Invictus Games and the Paralympics.
KATHLEEN SHANKS, music director, Capital Arts Studio, Potters Bar, Herts.
I HAVE cried and cheered at the skill, sportsmanship, courage and determination of all those from all nations who took part in Invictus. The games are the truest testament of how brave all of these injured servicemen and women are. I thank God for them and for their sacrifice of lost limbs, lost sight and lost minds to depression and inner torment. I served for 23 years, my husband for 25 years, in the Army. By the grace of God and luck we came out the other side with our bodies and minds still in one piece. Over and over we heard from the competitors that ‘taking part gave me something to live for again’. So I’d like to say to MP emma Dent Coad, until you have marched in their boots, run on their blades, wheeled yourself in their wheelchairs, coped with their demons, and swum and run without sight, keep your mouth shut about matters about which you know nothing. hang your head in shame that you used your voice to discredit Prince harry’s Army career, because, by speaking as you did, you are discrediting all of us who have served on land, sea and air.
MARY JAGLARZ, Stirling, Scotland.