A Royal Navy lieutenant has sung in front of thousands of people as part of the choir at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando.
Lt Charley Tysler, 30, who is based at Flag Officer Sea Training in Devonport Naval Base was chosen from a video audition to be part of the 12-strong choir.
Taught by choirmaster Gareth Malone, the choir wrote and performed their own song called Flesh and Blood.
Charley, who is from Worcester, joined the choir just a fortnight before the performance when her divisional officer was sent a request asking for volunteers.
“I was downgraded over a year ago and decided to do my rehabilitation at HMS Drake as they have very very good facilities there,” said Charley, a Fleet Air Arm pilot.
“After a lot of persuasion from my divisional officer I sent in a video explaining a bit about me and had to do a song which meant I ruined Bill Withers’ ‘Aint No Sunshine for ever more for my boyfriend unfortunately.”
Charley was called in the next day and it was arranged that she would meet the choir as a surprise. While being filmed for a BBC documentary for the choir she also had to sing for her new teammates on arrival.
“That was awful,” she said. “I wasn’t really expecting to do that.”
All the choir members are either serving personnel or veterans with an age range of 28-72 years old. For the performance Charley had to wear her tropical uniform and stand at the front, singing alto.
“It is extremely nerve-racking,” she said. “It is not something I would ever have thought I would be involved in.
“But to be given this opportunity and to meet the others in the choir and hear their amazing stories while being at the Invictus Games is fantastic.
“I cannot believe I am a part of it. I am extremely honoured and proud to be here, wearing my uniform and representing my Service in Orlando.”
