RAF Veteran Michelle Turner, 45, was diagnosed with a rare heart condition that causes her to collapse without warning, but says the Prince’s Invictus Games has helped her and ‘changed her life’
Michelle Turner, a 45 year old military veteran and former Royal Air Force sergeant, has passionately defended Prince Harry, claiming that the Royal ‘changed her life. ‘ This comes amidst divided public opinion over the Prince and his wife Meghan Markle, following his contentious win at the ESPY awards earlier this month.
The surprising admission was made on Tuesday 23 July, shortly after the announcement that the Invictus Games would be returning to Birmingham in the UK in 2027. The international multi-sport event, launched in 2014 by Prince Harry, caters for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.
Michelle credits the creation of the event with giving her hope after being diagnosed with a heart condition that causes sudden collapses. Recalling a touching moment with the Prince at a 10 year celebration event at St Paul’s Cathedral in May, Michelle shared with PEOPLE how she had read a poem with her husband John and daughter Maya, 11, at the service.
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She revealed that Harry had approached her afterwards to commend the standing ovation she received. Tearfully reflecting on the significance of Invictus and the Prince’s role, she told the publication: “How do you ever thank somebody for changing your life, changing your family’s life? There are no words.”
Michelle, who previously showed her mettle in the Toronto 2017 and Sydney 2018 Games, enthused: “All I see here is smiles. It is giving people a focus again. He is so relatable and so lovely to everybody, and he loves this Invictus Games.”, reports the Express.
Showing her passion for what fans can look forward to, she added: “You struggle to explain the magic but people will be able to come along and see it for themselves and feel that magic and inspiration. We will fill the stands,”.
The much-anticipated move back to Blighty for the Games signifies the event’s first stint in the UK since its inauguration in London in 2014.
Opting for Birmingham as host city isn’t just a ceremonial choice it resonates deeply as it lies tantalisingly close to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which often serves as the first point of return for injured service personnel, as well as Fisher House, providing a home away from home for families during hospital recoveries.
Yet, there’s a hint of discontent brewing in Brum, with some locals worried that the Invictus Games might overshadow other serious local concerns. The financial turmoil in Birmingham, acknowledged through bankruptcy last September, has already led to council tax hikes up to 21 percent over two years while trying to claw back £300 million.
The UK Government’s £26 million backing for the Invictus bid has sparked concerns among locals, who fear funds might be diverted from essential services to the Games. Charlotte Bell, a 36 year old mum, acknowledged the event’s potential but voiced her apprehension about the financial implications.
Speaking to MailOnline, she said, “If it can put some focus back on Birmingham for positive reasons, that’s definitely a good thing. The only concern I have got are things like the public finances – our libraries are closing and things like that.”
She added, “I just hope the council isn’t going to start ploughing money into improving the facade of Birmingham, making it look nice, when that money could be used to save our libraries and support services.”
