Family & Friends

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Carl and his family & friends

Carl and his family & friends
Roberto and his Family & Friends

Roberto and his Family & Friends
Rachel and her Family & Friends

Rachel and her Family & Friends
Michel and his family & friends

Michel and his family & friends
Geert and his family & friends

Geert and his family & friends

Family & Friends. They are the closest thing to the Invictus Games competitors. Saw them at their worst moments, gave the push when it was needed, and listened or stimulated. Just what was needed. We made a series with Invictus Games competitors and one or more of their Family & Friends. In this episode: Dane Geert Nielsen (50) and his great friend Jens.
Grzegorz and his family & friends

Grzegorz and his family & friends

Sylwia remembers it well. "I was working that day, but at some point the Chief of Staff came to me. He told me that Grzegorz had been involved in an explosion in Iraq, by an IED bomb. Of course, everything went through my head at that moment. I felt everything, remorse and regret that he had gone, but mostly fear. But there was one overriding feeling. The most important thing for me was that he was still alive."
Jules and his family & friends

Jules and his family & friends

There were times when Marysia Jones was scared she would receive ‘that one phone call’ about her brother, Jules (Julian) Allen. But that danger has now passed. Jules feels a lot better about himself. He talks a lot about the future and is looking forward to participating in the Invictus Games. His sister Marysia, and his sons Archie and Alfie, come with him to The Hague.
Giuseppe and his family & friends

Giuseppe and his family & friends

Giuseppe Erriquez, lieutenant-colonel in the Italian army, believes that participating in the Invictus Games will literally give him and his teammates "new energy, new strength. It will be a very inspiring journey for the whole Italian team. We are curious about the other competitors, we would like to meet people from other countries, and of course we will travel with our Friends & Family. Because we also believe that participating in the Invictus Games will make us all stronger.”
Bob and his family & friends

Bob and his family & friends

Bob gives a lot of credits to his wife, and two sons Christian and Moses, who are now in their twenties. “If they hadn't been there, I wouldn’t be here either. That is why I am so happy with the Family & Friends program of the Invictus Games. It's important for family members to be appreciated for the support they give."
Vanessa and her family & friends

Vanessa and her family & friends

She is looking forward to the event in The Hague partly because she also experienced the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney. "It was amazing. Because the event was in my home country then, a lot of family members and friends naturally came. That was a huge help, it's great when you feel supported. Although it was a bit overwhelming at times. I wanted to give everyone attention, but I also had to finish my matches. Son Zachary was 7 at the time, Avyanna and Hamish were younger. They stayed at home and watched TV. Again, Zachary will travel with them, as will husband Craig. "And maybe the two youngest will come too, although it remains to be seen how much chaos that will cause. They are still a bit young for such a long, distant journey."
Akhmed and his Family & Friends

Akhmed and his Family & Friends

Akhmed Safarov takes his biggest fan to the Invictus Games in The Hague. Manana Kartsivadze, Akhmed's wife, with her love and devotion, made sure he never gave up. The soldier from Georgia lost both his legs during a military mission in Afghanistan in 2011.
Fenna and her Family & Friends

Fenna and her Family & Friends

Geugjes' life changed abruptly when she was injured during a parachute jump in 2015. Her work at the Royal Navy suddenly became too much, with prolonged standing, running and a lot of walking taking a toll on her, even after several operations. She sustained a permanent ankle disability as a result of the accident. Moreover, the uncertainty and physical pain caused mental problems. Fenna fell into a depression and even a hearing loss came to light. "That intensified the depression even more."
Marco and his Family & Friends

Marco and his Family & Friends

Marco Tessers (46) was photographed with his wife Marscha and their two daughters, Larissa (18) and Kirsten (16). I haven't always been easy for them, to put it mildly. My PTSD has beaten some deep craters, also with them. However, they are always there for me, always involved. They're my everything.''
Peter and his Family & Friends

Peter and his Family & Friends

For Peter West (49) there was no doubt that he wanted to be portrayed with Gijs, his assistance dog. His son Rick and brother-in-law Edward were also photographed. It was a very nice day at our home in Hoogezand, a lot of family present. And I felt a good click with the photographer. Gijs too, by the way, he sat so nice and still.''
Ton and his Family & Friends

Ton and his Family & Friends

"Photo model? Me? Well, no. But I really liked it. "Besides, it was good for me to dare to do something so exciting. Ton de Haan (48) quickly found out who he wanted to be photographed with when the request came from the organisation of the Invictus Games. Of course his partner Chantal. And then Sjaan, a more than good friend. Finally, of course, Loes. "Loes is a real photo model. Loes is Ton's dachshund.
Susanne and her Family & Friends

Susanne and her Family & Friends

When they asked her for the photo session, Susanne Daalhuizen (38), after only a moment of doubt, said yes. It's good for me to get out of my comfort zone more often. I have to do something more often, don’t think about it too much''. Susanne has MS. She decided on a picture with her cat Simba. "An incredibly cuddly animal. And her two personal trainers, Anthony and Sanne Beumer. "Giants.