OVER the next three days inspiring athletes from across the globe will be competing in the ultimate physical challenge and one man from Dalton is hoping to make a big impact across the pond in Orlando.

Described by organiser Prince Harry as "a showcase for the very best of the human spirit", the Invictus Games flaunt the amazing skill and determination of the nation's bravest servicemen and women. 

Dalton man, Charlie Walker, is participating in this year's games and will represent the UK against Georgia in the sitting volleyball semi-finals tomorrow. 

He will also take part in the wheelchair rugby on Wednesday and wheelchair basketball on Thursday.

His mum, Edith Walker, has made the trip to Orlando, courtesy of the Royal British Legion, and is excited to cheer her son on. 

She said: "

"Because he is competing in indoor sports, the sound is just phenomenal. Because the tickets are reasonably priced, people just come out as families and there's a lot of support for the British."

Mr Walker's story began in 2006 when he fell ill with meningitis while serving in the armed forces. 

The illness resulted in a double below the knee amputation - a nightmare that looked set to put an end to both his army career and his lifelong love of sports. 

Mrs Walker said: "Charlie has always been sporty. He loved football at school and was a very good swimmer. He played rugby and would try all different types of sport. 

"He had meningitis in 2006 and he had to learn how to walk again. He lost one leg around a year later. 

"The doctors did all they could to save his leg but in the end Charlie was involved in the decision to have his second leg amputated.

"He was always so fit and used to run a lot but he just got on with it."

Having moved to live near his sister in Aylesbury, Mr Walker found himself just a stone's throw from Stoke Mandeville stadium, which is where he began his journey to becoming a Paralympic athlete. 

Mrs Walker said: "That’s where he first became involved in Paralympic sport, when a friend invited him to a taster session. Whether he would have done it himself, without the push of his friend or without Stoke Mandeville being so close, I don’t know."

The former Dowdales pupil went from strength to strength and eventually represented Great Britain in the London 2012 Paralympic Games, as part of the men's sitting volleyball team. 

In 2014 he competed in the second Invictus Games and came away with three gold medals in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball - the sports he will be competing in over the coming days. 

Mrs Walker, who went to both events with her husband, said: "The most emotional time was the Paralympics because that was the first time we watched him. 

"We could see the team coming out of the tunnel and into the arena, which was quite emotional."

She continued: "I think the Games themselves are really important. All the athletes have had some sort of life-changing experience and it just gives them something to focus on and something to do. 

"It shows people what you can do, not what you can't do."