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Paul 'Midge' Hartley, 53, lives with a form of Spastic Paraplegia, a rare degenerative condition that causes serious lower limb weakness, muscle stiffness and involuntary spasms, which severely impact his mobility.

The former Flight Sergeant, based in Cambridge, said taking part in the Invictus Games will allow him to recapture his identity and better prepare him to face any difficulties in the future.

 

Paul sits in his Team UK Invictus Games kit
Paul proudly wears his Team UK kit - Help for Heroes

During the pandemic, a lack of access to sporting facilities forced Midge to adapt his whole approach to training such as using his rugby wheelchair on rollers and undertake training virtually. In addition, Midge has been selected to represent Scotland at Wheelchair Rugby League, competing against Ireland & Wales in the Celtic Cup competition. He is currently continuing training with the aspiration of making the Scotland squad for the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup Competition to be held in the UK in November.

“I am fully committed to continuing my personal recovery journey beyond the 2022 Invictus Games as I have found the whole process uplifting and highly beneficial. I am keen to continue my involvement for as long as my condition allows, which includes attending the training camps provided through the Help for Heroes Sports Recovery programme."

Paul competes as part of the Invictus Wheelchair Rugby team
Paul competes as part of the Invictus Wheelchair Rugby team - Help for Heroes

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