Royal British Legion selects RAF veteran Peter Lauder from King’s Lynn for Team UK at Invictus Games

A former RAF intelligence analyst who suffered a severe hip injury has been selected to take part in an international multi-sport event.

Peter Lauder, 45, from Lynn, who served in the RAF and did tours of Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan before leaving service and being diagnosed with fractured necro of the femur, has been chosen by the Royal British Legion to compete for Team UK at the Invictus Games in Canada in this woman.

In early 2020, Peter underwent a hip replacement which extended to the knee, resulting in nerve damage, loss of feeling and one leg being left shorter than the other.

Having left service in 2020, he now works as an information analyst for the NHS, dealing in mental health and child services.

He will be competing in the indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball for Team UK, which is supported by the RBL.

He said: “I play wheelchair rugby league with two ex-Invictus Games competitors, and they actually encouraged me to re-apply this year, given the positive experiences they had recently had at the Games.

“They told me I needed this after all that has been going on with my injury and personal life these past few months. After going back and forth on it, I decided to apply.

“It has been a brilliant way to get back into the sports I love and to compete at a national level for Team UK. I have been able to connect with like-minded people from a military background and do something for myself and although there is a lot I still cannot do, I have discovered there is a lot I can do through sport.”

In partnership with the MOD, the RBL has proudly revealed a 62-strong team, who are all wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans.

The multi-generational team includes participants from all services who have been selected based on the benefit that the Games will contribute towards their recovery.

Peter added: “It won’t be about the medals for me, it will be about enjoying the experience. If I can bring back learnings from the Games and try to get more adaptive sports happening in Norfolk that will be a bonus.”

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

Louise Assioun, RBL’s Team UK manager said: “For the selected individuals, being part of a team again, representing their country and being around others who are all on their individual recovery pathway is what makes Team UK’s journey to the Invictus Games so unique.

“The Royal British Legion is proud to support them every step of the way.”

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler will take place from February 8-16.