In September 2006 Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson was wounded in a landmine explosion while serving with 7 Para RHA in Afghanistan. Ben sustained over 40 injuries, most of them life-threatening, including the loss of both his legs, brain damage and fractures to his spine, earning him a reputation as the worst-injured soldier ever to survive..." />
In September 2006 Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson was wounded in a landmine explosion while serving with 7 Para RHA in Afghanistan. Ben sustained over 40 injuries, most of them life-threatening, including the loss of both his legs, brain damage and fractures to his spine, earning him a reputation as the worst-injured soldier ever to survive.
Amazingly, just three years later and against the all the predictions of his medical team, Ben is regaining the ability to talk and learning to walk with prosthetic legs.
But the challenge of recovery is not enough for Ben. He also wants to help to others who have been wounded while serving in the armed forces. Therefore he has accepted the position of Patron of the military charity Project 65. Project 65 raises funds for the care and support of all wounded military personnel, not just the casualties of recent wars, as well as families who have suffered bereavement.
In May 2010, despite his injuries, Ben is going to be taking part in the fifth stage of Project 65′s Forces March, a 131 mile run/walk from Ilfracombe to Bulford set over five days.
You can view Ben’s JustGiving page and donate here.
You can take part in the Forces March alongside Ben by visiting: www.forcesmarch.org.uk.
We caught up with Ben recently to find out how his recovery, training and fundraising is going.
JustGiving: How did you find out about Project 65 and the Forces March?
Ben Parkinson: I first knew about them when they arranged the run to Pegasus Bridge last year. I wasn’t well enough to take part, only to be there and I am determined to actually join in this time.
JG: Can you tell us about a bit about what the funds you raise will go towards?
BP: The funds raised all go to military charities – different ones which help people with all injuries and all ages. We have heroes aged 18 to 100.
JG: What goes through your mind while you’re recovering/training for the Forces March?
BP: I must get better and I must do more than people expect me to. My mates are still going out there and may be the ones to need help.
JG: How are you finding adapting to the prosthetics?
BP: It’s been very hard for me ’cause of the back injury and the head injury, but it’s just gonna take me longer. I love it when the lads walk just a few months after getting hurt, but I know I’ll get there in the end – I’m Airborne!
JG: What advice can you give to other wounded armed forces personnel facing the challenge of recovery?
BP: Just get on with it. You can’t change it so you gotta do your best for your regiment, your family and yourself. If you are alive you have been lucky and you gotta make something of yourself to say thank you for that luck.
JG: It’s early days yet, but what would be your top fundraising tip?
BP: Everyone loves the lads. Just get the word out and the support is there.
