The Ulster Unionist Party wants to congratulate all those who took part in the Invictus Games, but a special mention goes to our very own Andy Allen.

Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA said, “Last night marked the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Whistler and I want to say a huge congratulations to my colleague and friend, Andy Allen. Andy achieved a medal in all four events he participated in, a full suite of gold, silver and bronze. A bronze in the Nordic Cross Country Sit Skiing, two silvers, one as a member of the UK Wheelchair Rugby team and another in the One Minute Sprint Rowing event and a gold medal for the Four Minute Endurance Rowing. Remarkable achievements.

“Andy suffered such life-threatening injuries serving Queen and country in Afghanistan in 2008, at 20 years of age, losing both his legs to above knee amputations and very severe impairment to his sight having been caught up in a Taliban IED in the Helmand province.

“Andy is an inspiration to us all and his determination and resilience are admirable. His own family will be very proud of his achievements, it’s a matter of pride for them. A matter of pride for Veterans. A matter of pride for the party and a matter of pride for the Northern Ireland Assembly.

“I have since written to the Speaker and requested he host a welcome home event to congratulate Andy on his tremendous success at the Invictus Games.”