HEROES who took part in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games have returned to Phoenix House to proudly show off their medals.

Nine veterans and serving personnel who have been supported by Phoenix House have returned to celebrate their success.

Prince Harry was inspired to bring the Invictus Games to an international audience following his visit to the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013.

The event in London brought together servicemen and women – both serving and veteran – from 14 nations with the aim being to spotlight the sacrifices the men and women made serving their country, and their drive to overcome.

Phoenix House user Mikey Hall, from Richmond, said he was overcome with emotion when he won his bronze and gold medals in archery.

He said: “It was the best day of my life after joining the army. The feeling of walking out on front of the crowds with them supporting you was just fantastic.”

Mr Hall was left paralysed from the chest down after falling during an army assault course, breaking his neck and back in numerous places.

Sport has played a vital role in Mikey’s recovery, particularly archery, and has been supported by Phoenix House in completing Iron Man challenges, and Edinburgh to London bike rides to support Help for Heroes.

He now uses a compound bow, ideal for target shooting and easier to use when in a wheelchair.

This year, he was selected to spend 10 days in Sochi as part of the British Paralympic Association’s Paralympic Inspiration Programme and dreams of taking part in Rio 2016.

Archery gold medallist David Hubber injured his back in 2001 when playing ice hockey for the army and was medially discharged in 2013. As well as his spinal injury, which means he uses a wheelchair, he also suffers from a psychological condition.

Also returning to Phoenix House was Gaz Golightly and Chris Attis, who took home gold in wheelchair basketball; Cowan Botha, who received a bronze medal in rowing; Frank Eva and Sevici Navelinikoro who took home gold in seated volleyball; Rob Cromey-Hawk, with two gold medals in cycling; Dave Hubber, with two gold medals in archery; Luke Reeson, with two bronze, two silver and gold in swimming; Craig Preece, with two gold in cycling; and Kieran Wood, with a bronze medal in rowing.

Phoenix House manager Mo Usman said: “We are so proud of all our athletes returning from the Games.

“They have done extremely well and the atmosphere at Phoenix House has been fantastic today in welcoming them home and celebrating our first birthday.”