City man ready for Invictus challenge - The Worcester Observer

City man ready for Invictus challenge

Worcester Editorial 4th May, 2016 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

A WORCESTER man who lost his sight suddenly is getting set to jet off to Florida after being selected by Prince Harry to compete at the Invictus Games.

Mark Abel, an administration assistant for Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and former Corporal in the Army, will compete in four different swimming events which will be aired on BBC One throughout the games from Sunday (May 8) to Thursday, May 12.

The 49-year-old, who lives in Warndon Villages, lost his sight suddenly in 2011 after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a lifelong condition that affects the central nervous system.

Undeterred by his illness and supported by Blind Veterans UK, Mark was able to return to employment and will now embark on the international challenge at ESPN World of Sport in Orlando, Florida which features more than 500 military athletes from 15 countries.




Mark applied for trials in December for the games which allows wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans to represent their country, get involved in new sports and help improve self-confidence and feelings of empowerment.

Although Mark was initially selected as a reserve for the UK team, he was promoted to the main squad when Invictus Games Foundation patron HRH Prince Harry unveiled the 110-strong team earlier this month.


Training with Worcester Swimming Club and the UK Team, Mark is set to compete in the 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 50m breaststroke swimming events.

“The MS dictates how much training I can do, but the key is balance,” he told the Observer.

“Coming back from work is when the fatigue kicks in, knowing that I have to get up and train. Some days are tough but training is going really well and I am ready for it.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, especially my wife Anita, my family, my fellow team members, and Help4Heroes, the MOD, The Royal British Legion, Jaguar Land Rover for being sponsors, Blind Veterans UK and Worcester Swimming Club.

“Being selected for the games is the biggest achievement already but to come back with a medal would be wonderful.”

Mark said: “I am so proud and honoured to be representing the UK at the games and being in London at Buckingham Palace with all the other team members for the launch with Prince Harry was an amazing experience.

“Blind Veterans UK has supported me from the start and given myself and my family help when I really needed it. They have been like a second family.

“I set a goal to compete in the next Invictus games in Toronto.

“I really wasn’t expecting to make the team this year so I have really excelled myself. I am utterly excited, more and more so by the day,” he added.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Worcester Observer.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Worcester Observer newspaper.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Worcester Observer.