During the pre-record interview which took place at the BBC Radio 2 studios, Prince Harry explained why the Invictus Games presented by Jaguar Land Rover was such an important event and how the event will use the power of sport to help wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women through their rehabilitation and recovery. He also urged the UK public to buy tickets and come out and support not only the 100-strong British Armed Forces team but also the 300 other participants who will be coming from 13 other nations.

Joining him in the interview were Royal Marines JJ Chalmers and Luke Darlington, who were both injured whilst serving in Afghanistan with 42 Commando.

JJ Chalmers was seriously injured by an IED which claimed the lives of two of his colleagues. He suffered severe injuries to his arms, face and legs.

He explains: “I think the Invictus Games is going to be incredible for a few reasons, first and foremost, for us. Once upon a time I woke up in a hospital bed absolutely broken thinking I’ll never do this again. I’ve got to the point where I realise that I can do a lot of things, but not only do them, but I can compete in them. I just want to keep pushing the boundaries of what I’m capable of doing, and competition is one way of doing it.”

Luke Darlington suffered a Penetrating Brain Injury with retained shrapnel. He was in coma for four weeks and his injuries have left him with a partial right side paralysis and 25% less brain capacity.

Luke explains: “I don’t have any regrets. I went through a phase in my life when I thought I couldn’t go on and live like this. But then I realised it didn’t make me feel any better, so I stopped. I want to take part in the Invictus Games because the opportunity to represent the UK would be a brilliant feeling. Sport, especially cycling, has helped me enormously. Probably even more psychologically than physically. It’s enabled me to believe in myself again.”