A BATTLING former soldier who lost both his legs in Afghanistan has been selected to take part in the Invictus Games.

Former Sapper Ashley Hall, from Colchester, will join the 90-strong ream of wounded, injured and sick military personnel when they fly to Toronto, Canada, in September.

Prince Harry, who is patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, has announced the British team including Ashley.

Ashley, 27, who served as a Royal Engineer for ten years, suffered his injuries in a bomb blast in 2010.

Since then his recovery has been blighted by complications and difficulties, with the determined veteran undergoing more than 80 operations in a bid to walk again.

He was afflicted with a condition called heterotopic ossification, where bone grows in soft tissue around the wounds.

Another operation forced Ashely to pull out of the games last year, but he has no regrets.

He said: “Last year I was selected for the team and was due to go but there was an opportunity to have an operation which could help me walk - naturally I chose the operation.

“I am glad I did, as for the past year I have been walking fully.

“I am no longer in a wheelchair.

“It is pretty massive for me and has changed my life considerably.

“It has made more more active and more confident.

“I had been waiting a long time and I knew when I didn’t take part that there was always next year.

“I am really looking forward to it.”

Ashley fought off stiff competition to take part in the games with only 90 places available compared to last year’s 110.

About 300 military personnel, more hopefuls than ever before, trialled 11 sports for one of the places.

Ashley will be competing in the wheelchair rugby, powerlifting and athletics competitions and is keen to continue reaping the fitness benefits. He said: “Since losing my legs, I’ve struggled to keep weight off and return to a body image I’m happy with.

“Wheelchair rugby training has helped me so much and helped me feel more confident about myself.

“As there were fewer places this year I decided to go for a few sports.

“I am a big lad so I thought I would try out the power lifting this year.”

Ashley’s first wheelchair rugby session took place at Chavasse VC House recovery centre in Colchester.

His parents, Steve and Cheryl Hall, set up the Invicta Foundation to help injured personnel following his injuries.

Having been discharged from the Army in January, Ashley will be looking to go back to college and hopes to retrain to become a welder.

He will compete in the Invictus Games, which run from September 23 until September 30.