HEROISM comes in various forms.

But this September it will be on display in the shape of Royal Wootton Bassett’s Joanne Hursey, who will be taking part in this year’s Invictus Games.

The competition, launched by Price Harry in 2014, is the ultimate international Paralympic event which sees wounded or injured armed forces personnel and veterans taking part in a range of formidable sports.

And Jo, 41, is part of the UK delegation that will head to Toronto in September to compete in this year’s games.

She said: “I’m feeling confident, but not overly confident. It would certainly be nice to come home with a medal.”

Jo, who is originally from Hertfordshire and has lived in Royal Wootton Bassett for the past two and a half years, has been serving with the Army since 1995.

She sustained an injury to her left leg which left her with no anterior cruciate ligament in her knee. To make matters worse, four months ago she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. She also suffers with depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis and a hearing impairment.

She said: “Although still serving, I can’t be the soldier I want to be or indeed once was. Invictus has given me an aim, something to look forward to. I need to look forward and sport is the only way I know I can do this and give 100 per cent in everything I do.”

Jo, who has previously served in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan, was part of the inaugural Invictus Games in 2014 and returns this year to compete in golf, athletics (shot put and discus), swimming and sitting volleyball.

She said: “I’m not confident about the golf because the Americans and Canadians are very good at that. I’m not looking to winning, just to challenging myself as much as I possibly can.

“It has really given me something to focus on and a goal to aim for, which is important. The camaraderie and team spirit really make a difference and I can’t wait to get out there.”

The 90-strong team of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans was officially unveiled by Prince Harry last week.

They are now training for the Games which will be held in Toronto in September.

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

Jo, who is one of six Wiltshire athletes to have been selected for this year’s games, spoke about why she applied in 2014.

She said: “I saw an advert for the first Invictus Games in London in 2014. I was sitting at home with my knee up and watching Price Harry promote it on TV, so I thought I would apply.

“It was an incredible experience and it taught me a lot.”

Unfortunately, the following year she was gutted to discover that she had failed to make the grade.

But, as she explained: “That only spurred me on to be successful this time. It made me even more determined.”

Forces charity Help for Heroes has been leading the work to train, select and develop the team for the games.

Jayne Kavanagh, of Help for Heroes and Chef de Mission for the UK Team, said: “In the UK team, we have 90 individuals who have displayed high levels of passion, teamwork and commitment.

“We are very proud to be working alongside them and wish them the best of luck as they embark on their Invictus Games journeys.”

The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 will take place from September 23-30 and we wish Jo and the team the best of luck.

To find out more, go to www.invictusgames2017.com.