A FORMER frontline medic in the Royal Air Force has gone from not being able to leave her house after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to a star performer at the third Invictus Games.

Michelle Partington, 45, credits the international Paralympic-style games for wounded, injured or sick armed forces personnel and veterans with 'saving' her.

Rising to the challenge of representing her country again, the former flight lieutenant repaid the event organisers with personal best times in the one and four-minute rowing events in Toronto, Canada, and a fifth place finish in powerlifting.

Michelle, from Hindley Green, said: “I am very proud and honoured to have been part of the UK team, which allowed me to wear the Union Jack once again. To represent my military family and my country as an athlete was truly unforgettable experience.

“It is amazing to think how far I have come. At one stage I was unable to leave my house due to the severe anxiety and now I have overcome so many of those feelings.

"The games really have saved me. I cried, I laughed and I met some new friends along the way.

“Each of us had our own reason for being there.

"I have left Toronto with a warm heart, fire in my belly and some wonderful memories, but also with a renewed confidence in my ability.”

When Michelle first received an e-mail from the Invictus Games Foundation less than a year ago she deleted it.

But with the games founded by Prince Harry aiming to harness the power of sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation, Michelle has turned out to be one of its many success stories.

Once her Invictus Games journey began Michelle gained support from family, friends, teammates and even strangers, offering their well wishes via social media.

Michelle added: “Support from the public has been overwhelming and pushed me that extra mile.

"I will be eternally grateful to everyone who has followed my journey and supported me along the way."

She was medically discharged from the RAF in 2012.

The RAF Benevolent Fund welfare charity has since funded a two-year counselling course, enabling her to train as a counsellor.

Paul Hughesdon, director of welfare and policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Michelle’s successes at this year’s games.

"The rehabilitative benefits that sport can offer is crystal clear and it is so inspiring to see how far Michelle has come since being medically discharged from the RAF.”

The eight-day Invictus Games ended on Saturday.