Prince Harry gives US soldier's Invictus Games Gold medal to Cambridge hospital which saved her life

Prince Harry hands over the medal won by Elizabeth Marks to Dr Alain Vuylsteke. Credit: Press Association

Prince Harry has presented an Invictus Games Gold medal to a hospital in Cambridge who saved the life of an American soldier.

Sergeant Elizabeth Marks publicly asked the Prince to return it to Papworth Hospital after he placed it around her neck at the Games last month.

The 25-year-old, from Arizona, became gravely ill on the eve of the first Invictus Games in 2014, when she collapsed with a serious lung condition and was put into an induced coma.

Prince Harry with Sergeant Elizabeth Marks at the Invictus Games. Credit: Press Association

Speaking at the Invictus Games, she said:

Prince Harry chats with USA Invictus Team Member Elizabeth Marks in the competitor's tent at the swimming pool during the Invictus Games in Florida. Credit: PA
Sergeant Elizabeth Marks paid tribute to the NHS for the care they gave her. Credit: Reuters

Sgt Marks, who joined the US army aged 17, suffered a serious hip injury in 2010 which left her with no sensation in her left leg but she has battled back to fitness and still serves in the military.

She won all four swimming events she entered at the Invictus Games for injured military and veterans, but decided to give her 100 metre freestyle gold to the hospital as it had been touched by the Prince.

Prince Harry tries on Elizabeth Marks' Team USA jersey in the competitor's tent at the Invictus Games. Credit: PA