An RAF serviceman is trying to raise £4k for a new bike so he can compete in the Invictus Games - after a shock diagnosis ruled him out of active duty.<br /><br />James Harrison, 33, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in April 2021.<br /><br />As a result, he's non-deployable, and is restricted to working at an RAF base in the UK for the remainder of his career.<br /><br />But after getting involved with the Royal British Legion, he identified another way to represent his country on foreign soil.<br /> <br />He passed a gruelling selection camp to earn the honour to cycle and row for the RAF in this year's Invictus Games.<br /><br />Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, the event gives injured military personnel - both serving and veteran - the chance to compete across multiple sports.<br /><br />James, from Bridgnorth, Shropshire, is delighted to be selected but is now trying to raise funds for a better bike so he can compete at the highest level.<br /><br />He said: "Cycling is something I did a lot before my MS diagnosis, and it's been a great coping mechanism for me.<br /><br />"I'm honoured to have been selected to represent the RAF in this year's track cycling and rowing event - and I'm hoping I can raise the money for a new bike beforehand."<br /><br />Up until two years ago, James was a fit, healthy adult with no underlining health conditions.<br /><br />He'd been working for the RAF for three years before receiving the shock diagnosis which has changed his life forever.<br /><br />Since being diagnosed with MS, he's not been forced to medically retire, but the RAF have deemed him non-deployable.<br /><br />That means he'll remain stationed at RAF Wyton until he finishes his career.<br /><br />To cope with his diagnosis, and understand his limitations, James got involved with the Royal British Legion who hold selection camps for the Invictus Games.<br /><br />The games are an international multi-sport event first held by Prince Harry in 2014, for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.<br /><br />James has always been a keen cycler, and after trying out, he was selected to compete at this year's games. <br /><br />He'll be representing the RAF in the Road Criterium Cycling and Indoor Rowing event in Dusseldorf in September.<br /><br />James, said: "The camps have been a form of recovery for me - they've helped me cope with the disease.<br /><br />"By competing at the games, I want to inspire others with disabilities, and show that there are places in the RAF and army where you can get support.<br /><br />"The games have given me a focus, and because I've been told I can't be deployed anywhere now, competing in Germany will be really special for me.<br /><br />"I'll be representing the United Kingdom in a non-conflict sense, which I never thought I'd get to do again after my diagnosis"<br /><br />To compete at the highest level, James needs a new bike, as his current one won't meet the game's requirements.<br /><br />With the help of his mum and dad, Maureen Harrison, 70, and Stephen Harrison, 72, he is raising funds to get the equipment he needs.
