Recovery and Friendship - IGF Riders at RideLondon-Essex

The Invictus Games Foundations (IGF) was delighted to see so many members of the We Are Invictus community tackle the challenge of the Ford RideLondon-Essex last weekend.

The Foundation sponsored 24 riders to attempt either the 60- or 100-mile challenge and we were honoured to see so many members of the Invictus community take further positive steps on their recovery journey.

The riders came from Australia, Canada, Denmark, the UK, Colombia, Italy, Ukraine and the US but were united in London through the power of sport.

While some of the riders were taking part in their first cycling event ever, others were continuing their recovery started through the Invictus Games programme.

This diverse team of cyclists came together to support one another and help each other heal at the biggest cycling event of the year in London.

“Taking part in Ride London-Essex as part of the team sponsored by the Invictus Games Foundation gave me a goal and the focus to train and being part of a team of international representatives has reminded me of the power of the Invictus Spirit in times of adversity and challenge,” said James Rogers.

Jonny Ball is a former service member from the UK, who suffered a catastrophic leg injury in a motorbike accident five year ago, completed the 100-mile challenge of RideLondon-Essex and now feels that he is making improvements in all areas of his life.

“The physical fitness and sense of community that IGF provides makes me a better Dad, husband, and friend. Before getting involved with the We Are Invictus community, I struggled with isolation. This has changed,” Jonny said.

Alexander Westrope suffers with a complex spinal injury and has been working hard on his recovery journey ever since he was injured in 2015.

“This event had pushed me to overcome my demons,” Alexander said.

“Taking part in RideLondon-Essex has proven to me that I still have a strong mind to overcome my fear, that I am not done, my body is well and truly still alive. Even if I can't feel my lower half.”

Alexander enjoyed the challenge the course presented and is proud to have shown his kids “that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

Josh Boggi, the Invictus Games Foundation Community Liaison Manager, organised this Invictus Challenge for the We Are Invictus community and is delighted to see how impactful the event has been on the riders.

“We are seeing some incredible stories of healing at the RideLondon-Essex event and it’s wonderful to see the riders we sponsored gain so much from this experience,” Josh said.

If you are a member of the international wounded, injured or sick service community, you can join the We Are Invictus platform here.

If you would like to support the work of the Invictus Games Foundation, you can donate to our cause here.