A PAIR of ex-servicewomen will proudly serve their country again, this time in a major sports event for injured and sick servicemen and women.

Karen Fisk, of Basingstoke, and Jennifer Collins, from Hook, have selected to represent the UK at the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney.

The Hampshire heroes will join the 72-strong team and will represent the UK in a range of sports in the games being held from October 20 to 28.

Karen, who will compete in athletics and swimming events, served in the Royal Navy until she was medically discharged in 2015.

Hoping Invictus 2018 will help her ongoing recovery, the 35-year-old said: “I want to grow my confidence and help manage my anxiety. It will give me a feeling of self-worth and I’ll feel a sense of belonging serving my country again.”

Karen particularly enjoys swimming – not only for fitness benefits: “With swimming, I have grown in confidence each year – I come back improving and widening my skills. I never want to lose swimming, I enjoy the calm it brings me. I take my son and daughter to swimming lessons and join in.”

Former flight lieutenant Jennifer served in the RAF until she was medically discharged in 2017.

Crediting Invictus 2018 with helping her ongoing recovery, the 37-year-old from Hook will compete in archery and rowing.

She said: “I now focus on what I can do rather than what I’ve been told I can’t do because of my illness.”

“When I am feeling low and struggling to function I have the goal of Invictus to work towards – something bright on the horizon rather than a constant grey fog. Training for the Games is all about the sport – not being ill or being medically discharged. It’s about connecting with and supporting everyone in the process, drawing on our collective strengths to get everyone through our day-to-day lives.”

“I am now setting a strong example for my children, doing things with them and encouraging them. My confidence and self-belief are returning, which all contributes to managing my illness and working towards a brighter future for my family and me.”

This year, 451 WIS personnel and veterans trialled for one of the 72 places available on team UK which were overseen by Prince Harry.