A FORMER soldier from Jersey is set to compete in the Veteran Games in Israel later this month.
The games recognise the role of sport in supporting the recovery of wounded, sick and injured ex-servicemen and women.
Darren Blake (49) spent six years serving in the Blues and Royals, the Household Cavalry Regiment, and was deployed to Bosnia during the Balkans war before leaving the military in 1995. He suffered wear and tear to his back as a result.
He also served as a ceremonial guard to the Queen for a number of years.
Mr Blake, who has worked as a prison officer at HMP La Moye for 23 years, will travel to Tel Aviv in Israel from 29 May till 3 June, where he will compete in sports including swimming, shooting and a form of CrossFit adapted for different disabilities.
He said: ‘Attending will make me realise how lucky I am to have such great support around me to help provide a positive network and meet some great people.’
‘I am looking forward to meeting other ex-military veterans and taking part in what sounds like such a great event.
‘It will be a real privilege to experience the Israeli culture out there and I look forward to seeing various sites.’
The event, which is funded by donations, aims to bring up to 100 wounded British and Israeli veterans and their families together. The games and conference is organised by charity Beit Halochem UK, who provide rehabilitation services to wounded Israeli veterans.
The first games was held in 2019 and included the first conference of its kind on post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health and recovery, featuring leading professionals from both countries.
