A Haverfordwest man sang with a veterans choir for Prince Harry

Eight veterans took to the stage at the Royal Variety Performance 2018 to perform for their royal highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and received a royal thumbs up from The Duke after their rendition of the national nnthem at the London Palladium.

Among the group was Paul Clayton, of Haverfordwest, who serves in the British military in the Adjutant General's Corps.

The Invictus Games Choir is a UK community choir made up of wounded, injured sick serving and veteran personnel from all services who participate in the Choir as part of their recovery journey.

A nerve injury after a disc collapsed in his upper neck leaves Paul in constant pain.

“It’s a major problem, I have had to learn pain management,” he said.

“I cannot physically recovery from this, but the Invictus Games Choir and Help for Heroes have given me a new sense of belonging.”

“I feel being part of something and giving something back to a service that in all has been good to me has been rewarding and made me feel like I can still make a difference.”

“The Invictus Games Choir has been one of the best achievements of my career and I am proud to be part of this amazing group.”

Paul was thrilled to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.

“It certainly gave me a lift I hadn’t had in a few months and it gave me a sense of pride I hadn’t had for some time,” he said.

Supported by Help for Heroes, the Choir’s rehearsals and performance opportunities give its members the opportunity to regain the sense of purpose and direction they left behind and to be part of a “family” again after losing the camaraderie they had while serving or during their discharge process.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is the Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, in support of which the Invictus Games Choir was named.

To find out more about the choir and to give or get support please visit helpforheroes.org.uk

The Royal Variety Performance 2018 can be viewed at itv.com