RAF sergeant set to compete at Invictus Games

Trauma nurse Sgt Sadie Melling, from Leigh, has made Team UK’s squad to compete in four swimming disciplines and as part of a team in a sailing event.

The 33-year-old was on the team’s reserve list and only found out she had made the cut a couple of weeks ago.

The Invictus Games was launched by Prince Harry and is an international Paralympic-style games for wounded, injured or sick armed forces personnel and veterans.

Sadie was seriously injured in a skydiving accident in Madrid in 2011 when she broke both her legs after landing into a tree.

Her physical capabilities were affected in the long term and she could no longer perform activities such as running.

Mentally, she also hit a low point and it was not until her friends suggested for her to apply to be part of the Invictus Games that her self-esteem improved.

Former Lowton High School pupil Sadie said: “It is incredible to be called up to go to the games.

“I have been to 15 training camps in the last year and as well as being part of the squad it has also benefitted her legs by making them stronger.

“I have also been with people who understand what it is like to be restricted and how much of an impact it has had on my life.

"It is like being part of a family.”

Following her injury, Sadie received treatment at Royal Bolton Hospital before she was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, where she worked.

She was then taken to the Defence Services Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Headley Court in Surrey.

Sadie added: “It was ironic that I had treatment in Birmingham where I had looked after patients who had come back from Afghanistan.

"Their determination got me through my recovery.”

After getting back to her nursing duties, Sadie decided to work at the Heardley Court centre to "give back what she had gained" from her treatment there.

She has recently moved to Chelsea and Wesminster Hospital to be part of an RAF nursing team to support humanitarian aid operations.