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FORMER soldier Danny Kitcher, 43, is originally from Ghana but now lives in Birmingham. He competes in sitting volleyball and discus. He says: “I was at last year’s Games and it was really awesome. We had a great time.” Cpl Danny was discharged from the Army last year with a spine and shoulder injury. He says: “I wanted to carry on so it was initially really hard to leave. But joining the Invictus team has made it much easier for me. “You can talk about what you’ve been through and people understand how you feel.” POPPY Pawsey, 30, was discharged this year after being diagnosed with chronic back and hip pain.
After spending 12 years in the Royal Marine Band Service she felt lost and in a bad place.
“I always thought I was quite a strong person but when I was discharged I fell into this darkness and I really struggled,” explains Poppy, from Highcliffe, Dorset.
“I felt I was losing my identity – being a musician in the band was my life and I dedicated everything to it. It was really tough and mentally and physically, I wasn’t in a good place.”
Poppy says the Invictus Games – where she will compete in swimming and archery – has given her a new focus.
She says. “It’s been an amazing opportunity and it feels like a turning point in my life.” BRUMMIE Dave Watson got some expert advice to help him in the discus and shot put – from a real Olympian. He says: “I was speaking to Dean Macey, the Brit decathlete. “He told me to go out there and throw like you’re in training, and when you’re in training, throw like you’re in a big competition. I can’t wait to get out there and see the crowds and meet new people.” Dave, 30, lost both his legs and an arm in Afghanistan in 2010. He explains: “I lost both my legs and they couldn’t save my arm. I thought it would be really hard to recover. Now look at me – look at everyone here. “We’ve come through our injuries and we’re off to Toronto to represent our country again.”