Team Forces trailblazers … turning bold ideas into action!
In the room today, you’ll find several of our incredible grant recipients, along with others who are seeking support for future challenges. We encourage you to take a moment to connect with these extraordinary individuals and hear first-hand how your funding is truly transforming lives.
Steven Arnold - Invictus Athlete
Steve served in the Army (Royal Engineers) for 14yrs. In 2011 he was injured in a IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan.
During his rehabilitation he took up handcycling to get back into sport, he completed the Race across America in 2012 with 7 other injured servicemen , completing the 3051 mile race in 7 days and 7hrs whilst also raising money for Help for Heroes. From this, he was selected to join British Cycling’s development programme where he went on to represent GB all over the world. In 2017 Steve transferred to Para Nordic Skiing and biathlon and has gone on to complete in 4 Para Nordic and biathlon World Championships and the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing.
Steve competed in first Invictus Games in London, where he won a silver and bronze medal. In 2017, he was selected as the Vice Captain for the UK team and won two Gold medals in Cycling as part of the squad in Toronto. Steve was also the athlete representative of the Invictus Games UK Delegation Board for the Sydney Invictus Games.
Steve Hooper - Invictus Athlete
Steve Hooper — Veteran, Invictus Athlete, Speaker, Security Specialist
After nearly 20 years serving as a Specialist Driver in the Royal Air Force, including multiple operational tours in Iraq and Northern Ireland, Steve Hooper’s journey took a powerful turn. Diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions, he was medically discharged in 2021—but that marked the beginning of a new mission.
Steve went on to represent Team UK at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf 2023, where his resilience and leadership stood out. In 2025, he captained Team UK at the Invictus Games in Canada, leading with heart and determination—and clinched a silver medal in wheelchair rugby, a testament to his grit and competitive spirit.
Now stepping into the world of professional speaking, Steve shares his lived experience to break stigma, build mental resilience, and inspire others to rise through adversity. Alongside his speaking journey, he continues to serve in a new capacity as a specialist security professional—bringing discipline, insight, and integrity to every role.
From military service to mental health advocacy, Steve Hooper is a voice for perseverance, a champion of recovery, and a leader who proves that true strength is forged in the fire.
James Rogers - Invictus Athlete
Lt Cdr James Rogers joined the Royal Navy in 2007 and went on to qualify as a Marine Engineer (Submariner). He spent the early part of his career serving on Trafalgar Class submarines, deploying on HMS Torbay and HMS Trenchant.
In 2016 James suddenly became very ill with the sudden and aggressive on set of an inflammatory Arthritis condition which left him barely able to walk and in constant pain. Fortunately following a diagnosis, he was able to start the long road of recovery and Management of the chronic condition with support from the Royal Navy and DMRC Stanford Hall. As well as medication, regular exercise was a key tool in the recovery.
In 2019 James applied for the Invictus Games 2020 The Hague and was selected to represent Team UK, competing in both Cycling and Swimming. Despite the delays caused by the Covid Pandemic, Team UK eventually made it to The Hague in 2022, where he won the Bronze medal in the Cycling Time Trial and making the 100m Freestyle final in swimming.
Following the Games, James felt he had more to gain from being part of the Invictus Games, including bettering his achievements in The Hague, but also more to give to others. Having experienced the community, camaraderie and friendships from Team UK in The Hague, James felt he not only had more to learn from the Invictus Games but also a desire to give back. After applying for Düsseldorf 2023, he not only was selected for Team UK, but also had the privilege of being nominated as Team Captain, on opportunity to use his experiences to lead Team UK.
Seeing the transformation of Team UK as they came through their recovery journeys and their achievements in Düsseldorf was one of the memorable highlights from the Games for James. He also managed to conquer his challenge of bettering his achievements in The Hague, winning Gold in the Cycling time trial and bronze in the Wheelchair Basketball.
The opportunity to compete at the Invictus Games has given James a sense of purpose and belonging again, whilst also helping him find sports that he can still do to give the motivation needed to stay active. One of the most important aspects of being part of the Games is the Invictus Family which you are welcomed into, competitors, staff and importantly friends and family who have all been there through the recovery, form an enduring bond that is something special.
Following on from the Games, James hopes he can use his experience to inspire and encourage others into sport, and to promote the benefits of being part of a team and ultimately a family.