Top job for former soldier turned Bean Counter

Friday 12 September 2014

A Jersey squaddie is a Games Maker at the Invictus Games – the international sports event for “wounded warriors” from the armed services being held in London this week.

Alex Forster who is a former Grenadier Guards officer and member of the Jersey Field Squadron is in the capital to help make sure the inaugural event runs smoothly for the hundreds of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel taking part.

The 31 year-old is now a part-qualified accountant for PwC – the company sponsoring the Games but before moving to Jersey worked on operations in Afghanistan – the conflict that’s caused injury to most of the athletes taking part.

Alex said: “I am always humbled by the ability of injured servicemen to rebuild their lives and find new challenges after such horrific and life changing injuries. The Games give us all the opportunity to celebrate this triumph over adversity and to be inspired by this determination.”

Alex is one of 30 volunteers chosen by PwC to act as Games Makers at the event that is being championed by Prince Harry and which will see athletes competing in nine sports in venues across London until Sunday.

Alex said: “I am genuinely privileged to have been selected from Jersey and am looking forward to playing a part in making the games a tremendous success they undoubtedly will be.”

“Invictus” means “unconquered” and the Games aims to have a lasting impact on those who were injured serving their country.

Alex said: “Remember not to feel sorry for these competitors, they would not want you to, rather to seek inspiration from their journey and determination to succeed despite unimaginable setbacks and challenges, and aim to apply some of that spirit in your lives.”