RAF serviceman who received shock MS diagnosis is raising funds for a new bike
- last year
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.
James Harrison, 33, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in April 2021.
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.
But after getting involved with the Royal British Legion, he identified another way to represent his country on foreign soil.
He passed a gruelling selection camp to earn the honour to cycle and row for the RAF in this year's Invictus Games.
Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, the event gives injured military personnel - both serving and veteran - the chance to compete across multiple sports.
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.
He said: "Cycling is something I did a lot before my MS diagnosis, and it's been a great coping mechanism for me.
"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."
Up until two years ago, James was a fit, healthy adult with no underlining health conditions.
He'd been working for the RAF for three years before receiving the shock diagnosis which has changed his life forever.
Since being diagnosed with MS, he's not been forced to medically retire, but the RAF have deemed him non-deployable.
That means he'll remain stationed at RAF Wyton until he finishes his career.
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.
The games are an international multi-sport event first held by Prince Harry in 2014, for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.
James has always been a keen cycler, and after trying out, he was selected to compete at this year's games.
He'll be representing the RAF in the Road Criterium Cycling and Indoor Rowing event in Dusseldorf in September.
James, said: "The camps have been a form of recovery for me - they've helped me cope with the disease.
"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.
"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.
"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"
To compete at the highest level, James needs a new bike, as his current one won't meet the game's requirements.
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.
James Harrison, 33, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in April 2021.
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.
But after getting involved with the Royal British Legion, he identified another way to represent his country on foreign soil.
He passed a gruelling selection camp to earn the honour to cycle and row for the RAF in this year's Invictus Games.
Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, the event gives injured military personnel - both serving and veteran - the chance to compete across multiple sports.
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.
He said: "Cycling is something I did a lot before my MS diagnosis, and it's been a great coping mechanism for me.
"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."
Up until two years ago, James was a fit, healthy adult with no underlining health conditions.
He'd been working for the RAF for three years before receiving the shock diagnosis which has changed his life forever.
Since being diagnosed with MS, he's not been forced to medically retire, but the RAF have deemed him non-deployable.
That means he'll remain stationed at RAF Wyton until he finishes his career.
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.
The games are an international multi-sport event first held by Prince Harry in 2014, for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.
James has always been a keen cycler, and after trying out, he was selected to compete at this year's games.
He'll be representing the RAF in the Road Criterium Cycling and Indoor Rowing event in Dusseldorf in September.
James, said: "The camps have been a form of recovery for me - they've helped me cope with the disease.
"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.
"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.
"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"
To compete at the highest level, James needs a new bike, as his current one won't meet the game's requirements.
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.