A FORMER soldier who was left paralysed from the waist down after falling during an Army assault course has led his archery team to a gold medal and picked up a bronze of his own at the Invictus Games.

Mikey Hall, 39, from Richmond, now dreams of competing in the Paralympic Games after his success at the London-based games launched by Prince Harry for injured and wounded personnel and veterans on Wednesday.

Mr Hall, who took part in the archery finals today (Friday, September 12), said sport has played a vital role in his recovery thanks to opportunities to take part in Iron Man competitions and long-distance cycle rides at Help for Heroes Phoenix House recovery centre in Catterick Garrison.

He said: “Invictus Games all started for me when I went to Sochi earlier this year as part of the British Paralympic Association’s Paralympic Inspiration Programme.

“It was an amazing experience so when I got the chance to try out for the Invictus Games I jumped at it.

“The whole experience has been amazing, overwhelming, just fantastic. I have been really emotional, especially picking up the medals in archery, both individually and with the team.

“To represent my country with the British Armed Forces is just the best feeling. Walking out into an arena and taking part, rather than just watching from the stands is really special – it is the best thing to have happened to me, other than joining the Army.”

Mr Hall was already a qualified archery coach before his injury, and now uses a compound bow, ideal for target shooting and easier to use when in a wheelchair.

Also from North Yorkshire at the games is wheelchair user David Hubber, of Ripon, who served in the Royal Logistics Corps.

He won the mixed recurve archery gold medal, after going head to head with another member of Team GB, Gary Prout, in the finals at Olympic Park yesterday.

Mr Hubber, a member of Harrogate and Thirsk archery clubs, who was injured in 2001 while playing ice hockey for the Army, later competed alongside Mr Prout, winning a second gold as part of the GB team in the recurve mixed team event.

Gaz Golightly, from Hartlepool, who has also benefitted from support from Phoenix House, will compete in wheelchair basketball against Australia tomorrow (Saturday) in the first heat.

The Invictus Games includes events such as archery, athletics, wheelchair basketball and rugby, cycling, powerlifting, indoor rowing, swimming, sitting volleyball and a special driving challenge.

The event was organised with the support of the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, the Ministry of Defence and Help for Heroes.

It has featured nine adaptive sports with teams from 14 nations that have served for their countries.

For information visit www.invictusgames.org