AN athlete from Taunton has been selected in the UK’s 90-strong team for the Invictus Games Toronto 2017.

Tara Robertson, 42, was part of the group of wounded, injured and sick (WIS) serving military personnel and veterans who came together for the first time since selection at the Tower of London, where they were met by Prince Harry.

Former Army Private Robertson was medically discharged 18 years ago after a traumatic brain injury and visual impairment, but it is only recently she has felt the effects of psychological trauma. 

She will compete as a cyclist in the UK Team for her first Invictus Games and said sport has given her a focus and the opportunity to experience the camaraderie she has missed since leaving the military. 

Robertson explained: “The process of training for my chosen sport has helped me to remain focused on something positive when routine and mundane tasks have proved difficult. 

“When I attended the cycle training camp I had forgotten how comfortable being in this environment could be and I realised how much I missed the camaraderie since leaving the forces all those years ago.” 

The team will continue to train in various locations across the country as part of Help for Heroes’ extensive Sports Recovery programme.

The Royal British Legion will be supporting the friends and family, including carers, of the UK team. 

The team is sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover, and £50,000 funding has come from the Endeavour Fund, a programme led by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 will take place from September 23-30.