Ex-RAF squadron leader competes in Invictus Games trials

Antony Morris was medically discharged from the air force in January due to health issues.

But the father-of-two is determined to prove he can “still win” and has vowed not to let chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) hold him back.

Mr Morris, from Stone, said: “The Invictus Games will enable me to get back into an environment of banter, hugs, tears and support from others who know exactly how I feel. I already feel motivated and my mood has lifted so I hope it continues.

“I also want to prove to myself and my family that I can still ‘win’ – not medals, but just the achievement of participating and making them proud of me again.

“I refuse to be defined by my illness.”

Mr Morris was medically discharged from the RAF six years after he suffered a multiple fracture of his humerus - the long bone in the upper arm - on a military riot control training exercise.

He was treated immediately and underwent intensive rehabilitation but then suffered a frozen shoulder and developed CFS.

The condition leaves him in frequent pain, with even modest exertion causing significant fatigue which lasts for days.

But he said he refuses to let the condition "define" him and has signed up to take part in this week's trials in Sheffield alongside other wounded, injured or sick personnel from the forces.

The 42-year-old said: "It is impossible to describe how it feels to lose the career I loved and the opportunities I will never have again.

“Not a single day passes without feeling the effects of my condition at some point.

"One of the worst aspects is that there is no known cure, only careful management of my symptoms is possible, and even then there are always consequences if I do too much.

“The hardest impact has been on my family, having to put up with my mood swings."

Following his discharge from the RAF in January, Mr Morris instructed specialist military experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate the incident which caused his injuries.

His expert legal team has since secured an admission of liability from the Ministry of Defence regarding his injury in 2013.

Alexander Davenport, specialist military injuries lawyer, said: “We are helping to support his rehabilitation and recovery from his injuries and I am so proud of how far Antony has come since leaving the RAF, as I know he struggles a lot with his CFS on a daily basis.

"I will be looking forward to hearing how his trials go and fingers crossed he makes the team.”