Injured Royal Marine to represent GB

An injured Royal Marine from Exeter has been chosen to represent Britain in the rowing events at the forthcoming Invictus Games.

Ray Lowrie, 33, sustained a severe fractured ankle while on Exercise in Norway that ultimately led to his leg being amputated.

He turned to specialist armed forces injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell for help and support and his legal team has since secured interim payments from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to pay for an adapted bungalow to help him live independently.

Following the accident Ray discovered that he had a flair for rowing after taking up the sport to keep fit. He is now involved with the Exeter Rowing Club and is delighted to be involved in the upcoming Invictus Games.

The event, championed by Prince Harry, will feature over 400 competitors from 14 nations competing in an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women.

The Invictus Games highlight the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

Ray, from Exeter, said: “After the accident and the amputation it was extremely difficult to come to terms with my injury and it changed my life forever. Getting the support from Irwin Mitchell with my adapted house has given me the encouragement and independence I needed to get out there and find other things I am interested in.

“At first I just wanted to do something to keep fit but I soon discovered that I was had a talent for rowing and it’s given me a whole new set of goals to work towards.

“Being involved in the Invictus Games is important not just for the competition but to raise awareness of the injuries and illnesses that servicemen and women have to overcome.”

Andrew Buckham, a specialist armed forces injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Southampton office representing Ray, said: “The nature of armed forces injuries means that they are often extremely serious and usually life-changing leaving the victims permanently disabled. But our clients are determined not to let this defeat them and the Invictus Games is a fantastic opportunity for them to show their spirit and compete once again.

“With the help of specialist support, care and rehabilitation many injured servicemen and women are able to live independent lives and come to terms with their condition.

“Ray has shown incredible determination and is an inspiration to all of us and we are proud to be able to support him and all the competitors as they seek to get their lives back on track.”