Veterans to return to Falmouth after intrepid UK circumnavigation to promote Invictus Games
Two traditionally-rigged tall ships carrying 70 personnel will dock later
The end is in sight for an intrepid crew of 70 veterans and serving military personnel, as they head for home after 2,000 miles of circumnavigating the United Kingdom.
'Spirit of Falmouth' and 'Pellew,' two traditionally-rigged tall ships, set off from Falmouth on 17 March as part of the Full Circle Expedition.
Their crews have carried the Invictus Games flag, to build awareness of the 2027 event coming to Birmingham next summer.
They have also spent time engaging with military communities on their 22-port stop around England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
The voyage was co-ordinated by veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and delivered in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.
Money has been raised to support wounded, injured and sick veterans who are facing a range of challenges including PTSD, physical injury, and isolation.
Around midday, the two ships will be escorted into Falmouth's harbour by a flotilla of vessels.
The Invictus Games flag will then be taken by jetpack to Pendennis Castle, where it will be raised.
Paul Miller, an Army veteran who has been the skipper of 'Spirit of Falmouth', said:
“Being part of this expedition fills me with real pride - it has reminded me how far I’ve come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together.
"Sailing the Invictus Games Flag around the UK is deeply meaningful.
"It represents courage, determination and community - values that we must hold on to after military service ends."
Veteran Dave Phillips (67), who served from 1975 to 1989, completed four legs of the Full Circle Expedition.
He said: “I come from a generation where men didn’t talk about how they were feeling.
"I kept everything boxed up until eventually it all came out, and I couldn’t cope with it any more.
"For years, I didn’t even realise there was a problem because in the Army you stayed busy, got on with the job, and there was very little support.”
The Full Circle expedition has also engaged more than 2,600 people across the UK through a series of community events - including 1219 young people, 561 veterans and 834 members of the public.