Veterans finish voyage with Invictus Games flag

A crew of 70 wounded, injured and sick veterans have completed a 2,000-mile (3,218km) voyage around the UK with the Invictus Games flag on board.

The journey, which also included serving military personnel, returned to Falmouth in two traditionally rigged tall ships named Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew for the end of the expedition.

Co-ordinated by veteran military sailing charity Turn to Starboard, the boats went to 22 ports across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales with the flag as it aimed to build momentum towards Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games.

Paul Miller, army veteran and skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, said that being part of this expedition had filled him with "real pride".

"It has reminded me how far I've come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together," Miller said.

"Sailing the Invictus Games flag around the UK has been deeply meaningful.

"It represents courage, determination and community - values that we must hold on to after military service ends."

The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, are for wounded, injured and sick military service personnel.

Miller said the flag carried the hopes of "so many people rebuilding their lives through courage and community".

"Seeing Turn to Starboard and the Invictus Games come together in this way is powerful - every mile we sail and every donation raised helps build resilience and support the veteran community," he said.

To mark the end of the expedition, the flag was transported from the Spirit of Falmouth to Pendennis Castle by jet pack.

It was then raised for the last time on the expedition, marking one year to go until Birmingham 2027.

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