An Ipswich dad has been elected to represent the UK at the Invictus Games next year.

Neil Fellingham was chosen by the Royal British Legion (RBL) to represent Team UK at the games held in Canada in 2025 – the first Invictus to include winter sports.

Established in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games is an international adaptive multisport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans to participate in as part of their recovery journey.

Working with the Ministry of Defence, the RBL has put together a 64-strong team of veterans and personnel who have been affected in some way by their service, whether physically or mentally.

Neil Fellingham served in the RAF for over 12 years. Image: Royal British LegionNeil Fellingham served in the RAF for over 12 years. Image: Royal British Legion (Image: RBL) Neil and his fellow servicemen, being greeted by Elizabeth II. Image: Royal British LegionNeil and his fellow servicemen, being greeted by Elizabeth II. Image: Royal British Legion (Image: Royal British Legion)

Mr Fellingham served for over 12 years in the RAF as Senior Aircraftsman Technician Senior, working on aircraft such as the Tornado.

He was passionate about serving in the military and loved his job. However, his career was cut short after he sustained a serious leg break when he was run over by a car he was helping to repair.

After multiple surgeries, Mr Fellingham now has complex regional pain syndrome which has had a huge impact on his physical and mental health. His leg is deteriorating significantly and will likely require amputation in the future.

In 2025 he will compete as part of Team UK at the Invictus Games in Canada, competing in adaptive sports including Wheelchair Basketball and Alpine Skiing.

Neil pictured with his wife, Lauren. Image: Royal British LegionNeil pictured with his wife, Lauren. Image: Royal British Legion (Image: Royal British Legion) Neil Fellingham with his wife, Lauren, and daughter, Poppy. Image: Royal British LegionNeil Fellingham with his wife, Lauren, and daughter, Poppy. Image: Royal British Legion (Image: Royal British Legion)

Mr Fellingham said: “It means everything to have been selected because it's been a struggle and I am nothing like my former self. Not even close.

"When I got the call, it was just this amazing feeling inside. It is like a dream that's starting to actually come true.

"I will do anything I can do to preserve the dream. Just so that, as a family, we can look back at this stuff and say: We've done it.”