Behind Invictus

A former army officer and architect he has worked on major events since being appointed Pageantmaster of the Lord Mayor’s Show in 1992. He was Executive Director of the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race, Director of the Royal Society’s 350th Anniversary Programme and worked on The Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

He coordinated the contribution of 18,000 military personnel to the security of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. And he assisted in planning the security for the inaugural Invictus Games in London 2014. On leaving the Army in December 2015 he was appointed Director of Operations at the Stamford Endowed Schools before joining the Invictus Games Foundation full time in January 2019.

Helen has held senior fundraising roles at World Vision, Crown Agents, Unicef and Save the Children.

She holds a Masters degree in Development Studies from SOAS, and has spent time volunteering and working in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Helen is passionate about sport and joined the Invictus Games Foundation in 2024.

After the Games, he joined Step Up To Serve, the charity that coordinates the #iwill Campaign for youth social action. He remained a fan of the Games and briefly supported the communications team for the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 before joining the Invictus Games Foundation full time from September 2018.

She saw service on HMS Portland and HMS Bulwark conducting anti-narcotics and anti-piracy operations. In 2011 Mickaela was involved in a car accident and was rehabilitated at Headley Court and Hasler Company. She competed in the Invictus Games London 2014, winning two gold and one silver medal. This role is part funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

In 2004, Ruth moved to Boston USA, where she worked in the Financial Services industry for many years.

She returned to live in the UK in 2017 and has since worked in senior finance roles within the charities sector before joining the Invictus Games Foundation in 2024.

He served in the British Army as an Infantryman with operational tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan during which he was wounded in action; shot in chest during a firefight in Helmand Province. This injury ended David’s career in the military but opened a new chapter in which he has dedicated his professional and much of his personal life to supporting other veterans. David was part of the original executive team for the inaugural Invictus Games in 2014, he was the UK Team Captain for the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 and is proud of winning a total 14 medals.

He has worked across education, sport and non-profit for over 20 years as a volunteer, fundraiser, Director, Trustee and consultant. Prior to that Nick spent 5 years in marketing and international account management in the telecommunications sector.

Following a role in digital communications with the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games, Paul moved across to the Organising Committee for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games, drawn to the power of adaptive sport, before joining the Invictus Games Foundation full time.

Following injuries to her hips and spine while serving in the Royal Air Force, she went on to compete at the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 less than a year after emergency spinal surgery. At the Games she took home one gold and three silvers in swimming, but is now overseeing the delivery of sporting endeavours beyond the Games. This role is part funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Prior to joining, Caroline studied French and German at the University of Edinburgh which has proven useful in liaising with participating nations and future hosts. Her role is within the Inspire pillar, working alongside the Operations Director to help plan and execute the Games.

Developing a love for cycling in his recovery, Josh took part in the Big Battlefield Bike Ride 2013, and went on to compete at the Invictus Games London 2014 and the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 bringing home medals in cycling and rowing. Josh’s role at the Foundation, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, is to develop international opportunities via the We Are Invictus app for fellow wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans to access in their recovery.

He enlisted in the Navy in 2007 and was injured on his first deployment in Afghanistan. He was on patrol when he sustained gunshot wounds to his right arm and thigh. He considers himself fortunate to have survived the incident and it completely changed his outlook on life. He credits participation in adaptive sports program with his increase in mental fortitude and physical capacity and is excited to work with the Invictus Games Foundation.

Her work focuses on the Veterans' Places, Pathways and People Programme, where she is the Portfolio lead in the South West. Her role is supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Maria studied at Durham University and University College London, and worked in the winter sports industry prior to joining the IGF.