A SOLDIER from Canvey went above and beyond the call of duty to make Prince Harry’s Invictus Games a success.

Corporal Craig Gordon, of 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment, worked behind the scenes at the London games for servicemen and women competing against each other in a variety of sporting events.

Cpl Gordon, a former pupil at Furtherwick Park School, has been in the Army for nine years and served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

During the games he has been supporting the athletes and their families from all 13 competing nations, along with other soldiers from his regiment.

Cpl Gordon, 25, said: “To see people who have been wounded in action show the courage and determination to overcome their injuries and difficulties is inspirational.

“To compete at an international event is the pinnacle of any athletes’ career, and these guys have achieved that after suffering life-changing injuries.”

The games hold special significance for Cpl Gordon and his regiment as a former member of the regiment, Alex Tate, has been competing for Great Britain in the athletics.

He was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2012 but thanks to the work of the MoD’s defence recovery scheme and support from his unit and service charities, he has transformed himself into an athlete.

The Invictus Games was launched by Prince Harry to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation of wounded service personnel and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

Teams of wounded servicemen and women came together to compete from Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.

There were nine sports to compete in, and gold, silver and bronze medals to aim for.