Invictus Games 2018: Meet some of the West Country athletes

The Invictus Games kick off this weekend in Sydney and feature a host of inspirational athletes from the West Country.

The Paralympic-style sports competition is the brainchild of Prince Harry in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and veterans compete.

Among the events are wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, indoor rowing, cycling and swimming.

Meet some of the West Country athletes:

• Debbie Godfrey - Torpoint

Debbie left the Royal Navy more than ten years ago after being medically discharged, just before reaching 22 years of service. After leaving she became isolated, depressed and inactive.

She thought about applying for the Invictus Games two years ago, but couldn't bring herself to. Last year, her children persuaded her and she was selected for both the archery and sailing events.

• Nick Martin - Plymouth

Nick is a Falklands veteran and suffered with lung problems and brain damage after his ship blew up. His experiences also left him with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

This month he will be riding in the UK team at the games - something he would never have imagined after coming last in his trial race. His family will be in Sydney to support him.

• Mark Ormrod - Plymouth

In last year's Invictus Games, Mark won a special achievement medal alongside two bronze and two silvers. The Former Royal Commando was on a routine foot patrol in Helmand Province in 2007 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device. He lost both of his legs and one of his arms, becoming the first triple amputee of the war in Afghanistan.

Mark was told he would never walk again, but was determined to prove people wrong. His goal in Sydney is to win gold.

As well as rowing and swimming, Mark is taking on two new events this year - Discus and Shot put. He says his three motivators are his children - Kezia, Mason and Evelyn.

The Games will take place in Sydney from 20 October and the UK team will compete in all of the 11 sports.