A MOTORBIKE crash victim and former soldier who lost his right arm and shoulder is travelling to Sydney to compete in the fourth Invictus Games on Sunday.

Dan Richards, originally from Cheney Manor, had a near-fatal motorbike crash in London in 2009 which fractured almost every bone in his body and resulted in his right arm and shoulder being amputated.

After a long recovery he rejoined his regiment at the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery but after three years he was medically retired in 2012.

But this Sunday he will compete in the road cycling race at the Sydney Botanical Gardens alongside veterans and their families from around the world.

Dan's mum Nikki Reynolds, who is travelling out to Australia to watch, told the Adver: "He loved life with the army and enjoyed it until the accident. Then he couldn’t do much at all, so they medically retired him."

After a bike was donated to Dan from Help to Heroes five years ago he has gone on to challenge himself in all sorts of ways, getting his PADI Open Water divers certificate, and cycled 350 across Northern France, using a specially adapted bike.

Dan was selected from 1,000 people that applied from the UK, and made it into the final 74.

"He’s done fantastically well. He was always pushing himself to the next level," added Nikki.

“He’s done so much with his life since the accident, there’s no stopping him.

“He says it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him. I told him I wouldn’t go that far, but every cloud has a silver lining.

"He always says life is like a game of cards. It's not about the hand you’ve been dealt, it’s how you play that hand.

“You really have got to be proud, he’s done all of this on his own merit. He’s had no one else to help him train or get fit."

The Invictus games was founded four years ago to support wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and veterans.

The event will see 500 competitors from around the world compete in 11 sports across Sydney, including the Sydney Olympic Park, and Sydney Harbour from October 20 – 27.