A FORMER Winchester soldier has been chosen to represent Great Britain in the first international games for wounded servicemen and women.

Ben Steele, an ex-RAF Regiment Gunner and Lance Corporal from Worthy Down, will play wheelchair rugby, dubbed “murderball”, at the Invictus Games tomorrow.

The London games, launched by Prince Harry, will involve teams from 13 nations competing in athletics, archery, sitting volleyball, cycling, swimming and more at the Olympic Park.

Ben, 33, completed three tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.

He had his left leg amputated at the knee after a serious motorbike accident two years ago at Cheesefoot Head, near Winchester, while serving in the Military Provost Guard Service.

His leg stump became critically infected and refused to heal until Dr Matthew Dryden, consultant microbiologist at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, suggested a new medical honey he is pioneering, called Surgihoney. Within three days, the wound had significantly improved and Ben could start rehabilitation at Headley Court, a centre for injured soldiers.

“At first it was very upsetting, as I am a very active person and used my legs to the full,” said Ben.

“It wasn't until I got to Headley Court for my rehabilitation that I realised how lucky I had been. Seeing other soldiers with worse injuries than myself in the sports hall smiling, laughing and just getting on with it encouraged me to push myself and not let my injury take control of my life.”

After intense rehab, Ben has gone on to ski down a mountain and try rock climbing and water skiing. He also cycles and runs with a prosthetic limb.

He said: “When I was selected for the Invictus Games wheelchair rugby team, I was delighted and also relieved as I had been working hard attending training sessions and learning the complex rules of the game.

“I also feel proud that I will get the chance to represent Great Britain in a competition which is hopefully the first of many.”

Dr Dryden said: “I am delighted that Ben, who has such a positive outlook and is so motivated, has been selected for this prestigious sporting event.

“Ben was amongst the first group of hospitalised patients with complex soft tissue wounds who we treated with Surgihoney. This is a topical treatment based on natural honey and it is highly effective against the bacteria which can colonise wounds and delay or prevent healing.”