Arizona swimmer asks Prince Harry to give gold medal to UK hospital
May 12, 2016, 1:28 PM
U.S. Army Sgt. Elizabeth Marks (right) appears on ESPN with Prince Harry. (Screenshot)
(Screenshot)
PHOENIX — A Paralympic swimmer from Arizona asked Prince Harry to deliver one of her gold medals to the British hospital that saved her life.
The NCO Journal reports that U.S. Army Sgt. Elizabeth Marks won four medals at the Invictus Games this week, but only wanted to take three home.
Marks asked Prince Harry, who puts on the event for wounded, injured or sick military personnel or veterans, to give her final gold medal to Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, England.
Marks credits the hospital with saving her life in 2014. She was in the United Kingdom for the annual Invictus Games when she suffered a respiratory failure. She was eventually placed on life support at Papworth.
“It’s the only thing I could give to thank them for saving my life,” Marks said before sending a message to the hospital. “I will never be able to repay you, but what you are doing is wonderful. I gave one of my medals to Prince Harry and hope it will find its way back to them.”
Marks is a Prescott Valley native. She joined the Army in 2008 as a combat medic and served until she was injured in 2010. Today reports the hip injury left her with no feeling in one leg.
