ROYAL Wootton Bassett’s Joanne Morris was thrilled to bring home a bronze medal from the inaugural Invictus Games after undergoing numerous knee operations.

The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel championed by Prince Harry and uses the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

The 38-year-old, who serves as a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Logistics Corps, has had seven operations on her left knee, including two full reconstructions, since injuring it while on duty.

During one of those reconstructions in 2011, Joanne suffered a severe allergy to her medication which caused her to stop breathing for 11 minutes.

But during this year’s Games between September 10 to September 14 in the Lee Valley VeloPark she cycled her way to bronze in the Women’s IRB3 Road Bike Time Trial.

She also finished fourth in the same discipline’s Circuit and also took part in the archery events.

“I can’t believe it – I’m chuffed to bits,” said Joanne.

“I set a PB in the time trial – I wanted to achieve something for me and I’ve done it.

“I blew out in the circuit race because I went out too fast but overall it has been great. I came 4th against some really good cyclists so I’m happy.

“No-one could guarantee the magnitude of the event but when I was watching the wheelchair rugby I couldn’t believe the number of people watching. It makes you very proud and I feel privileged to be a part of it.”

Joanne was most overwhelemed by the sheer number of people who turned out to support her.

She said: “The number of people who have bought tickets and come up to say thank you or well done is overwhelming, I can’t put it into words.

“We didn’t think anyone actually cared that much but to compete on home soil in front of a home crowd is awesome. And so many people have flown in from other countries to support their athletes as well.”

Sport and training for the Invictus Games has played a very important role in her rehabilitation.

She said: “When I first had my injury I was told I would never run again and I would always walk with a limp.

“But when someone says to me ‘you can't do that’ I always think I can and I will – watch me, I can do this.

“If the Invictus Games stops it would be absolutely criminal – it needs to go on and on and on “They have gone from something very small to something huge with massive crowds so quickly. It’s been an absolutely fantastic experience and I can't wait to do it again, no matter what country holds it.` This year’s games, with Jaguar Land Rover as a presenting partner, saw more than 400 competitors from 13 nations take part in nine sports across four action-packed days at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Joanne hopes they will not prove to be a one-off event.