Fisher House, the private recovery haven for injured military personnel, hosted the Lord Mayor of Birmingham for an Invictus Games 2027 soiree.
Guests were welcomed by Laura Power, deputy head of Fundraising at Fisher House, alongside key figures from the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 (IG27) leadership including chair Vicky Gosling OBE and CEO Helen Helliwell.
Not a dry eye in the (Fisher) House
The evening’s emotional centrepiece came from Invictus alumni Ben Lukowski and Dave Watson, who shared powerful accounts of recovery, resilience and the vital role of Fisher House in their journeys.
Ben, a former Royal Marine, and Dave, a triple amputee from the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, spoke candidly of the support they received – not only from the Invictus community, but crucially, from their families who stayed at Fisher House during their treatment.
Their stories illustrated how proximity to loved ones became an essential pillar of healing and purpose.
Invictus Games is part of a recovery pathway
“The Invictus Games is a recovery pathway, a source of pride, and a family,” said Gosling, who has supported the Games since Orlando 2016.
“Tonight is about connecting those stories with the legacy Birmingham can create.”
Helliwell added: “These Games are built on stories like Ben’s and Dave’s – and the strength that comes from community. Local businesses have a key role to play in making 2027 unforgettable.”
The evening concluded with a guided tour of Fisher House’s facilities – including its 18 bedrooms, garden, kitchen, and cinema – followed by a networking session for business leaders and IG27 organisers.
With Birmingham preparing to welcome the world in 2027, the event underscored a powerful message: behind every athlete is a circle of support, and the West Midlands has a unique opportunity to be part of that legacy.
