Paul Twitchell suffered in silence for fear he would lose his job but thanks to the unwavering support of his family and Help for Heroes, he is set to appear in his first Invictus Games in Sydney next week.

The 44-year-old RAF Armourer from Telford didn’t want to admit to his colleagues that he was struggling with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

But now, after being diagnosed last year, he is on track to recovery – with a trip Down Under firmly in his sights.

“I was at a very low point last year when I was diagnosed with PTSD,” said Twitchell, who was competing in the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, where Invictus Games competitors had the opportunity to be selected to represent their nation in the event in Sydney.

“I was an alcoholic and I was suffering badly with depression. I nearly lost my life through it.

“I didn’t realise I was suffering. I didn’t realise I had that much of a problem, but I didn’t want to admit it to anyone because I thought I was going to get kicked out of my job.

“I have to thank everyone who supported me during my diagnosis. I would not be where I am now – getting ready to compete at the Invictus Games – if it wasn’t for them.

“I am a completely different person to last year. It has been a life-changing experience.”

Twitchell’s journey began when he eventually opened up about his struggles with depression and PTSD last year.

Now, thanks to the support of his family and colleagues, he is part of the UK team for the 2018 Invictus Games – an international adaptive multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry for wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel.

Twitchell credits his wife Cindy for his incredible turnaround, with the future looking bright as he prepares to represent Team UK in sitting volleyball and swimming in a few weeks’ time.

“My wife decided to apply to Invictus on my behalf after watching the speech that Prince Harry gave at last year’s tournament about how competing can significantly help those struggling with their mental health,” he added.

“Receiving the notification that I had been accepted for the team was the turning point. Life has been fantastic since then.

“I doubt myself a lot, so I didn’t think I did very well in the trials. I never thought that I would actually be chosen so receiving that letter was a very pleasant surprise.

“My wife and son William will be travelling to Sydney with me. I am so pleased that I have turned a corner and can give them this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My son is looking forward to seeing his Dad compete. He is very proud of me and that is a fantastic feeling.”

Jaguar Land Rover is the Presenting Partner of the Invictus Games, which takes place in Sydney, Australia from the 20th to 27th of October 2018. Jaguar Land Rover is using this year’s Invictus Games to lead and inform the debate on future mobility, and how its future technology could help people’s lives.