TWO injured soldiers and a wounded veteran from Cumbria – two of them from the same town - have been chosen to represent the UK at the Invictus Games Toronto 2017.

They are Army Sergeant Kevin Kell, prospective Commonwealth Games athlete Luke Reeson and double amputee Charlie Walker.

Kevin Kell has been in the army since 1995. As well as having a traumatic brain injury, psychological illness and a hearing impairment, he has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Dalton man Kell also lost his wife to cancer last year. Training for the golf tournament at the Invictus Games offers him a release of emotions, relieves stress and the chance to play simply himself against a ball without worrying about the wider world. He hopes to use the games to inspire his young daughter.

“I want her to know that, no matter what life throws about you, you can rise above it,” he said.

Also from Dalton in Furness is Charlie Walker who will compete in the Invictus Games for the third time as a member of the Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby teams, as well as coaching the Sitting Volleyball team.

The former pupil of Dalton St Marys C of E Primary and Dowdales had both his legs amputated and credits sport as being a vital part of his recovery process.

“It gives me a sense of purpose, a reason to set new higher goals: it keeps me physically fit and mentally strong,” said Charlie.

“The other reasons are harder to quantify but being selected lets me know that I haven't been forgotten and gives me a chance to be with a military team again. "

Swimmer Corporal Luke Reeson, from Cockermouth, suffered gunshot wounds to both legs whilst serving on operations with the Army. He struggles with muscle loss and nerve damage in both legs on a daily basis as well as having permanent fractures in both major bones in his left leg which makes walking challenging.

The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 will take place from 23 – 30 September. To find out more, go to www.invictusgames2017.com