Disabled war veterans in tribute trek (From Daily Echo)
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Disabled war veterans in tribute trek
12:40pm Friday 15th March 2013 in News
Disabled war veterans in tribute trek
A TEAM of 12, including soldiers severely injured in Afghanistan, are jetting off to Telemark in Norway today to take part in a Second World War anniversary trek for a Hampshire charity.
They include the most seriously wounded soldier to survive the Afghanistan conflict, Lance-Bombardier Ben Parkinson, 27, who lost both legs and suffered more than 40 injuries.
Also going is 23-year-old Rifleman Paul Jacobs, the only injured serviceman to return having completely lost his sight.
They will pay homage to the Heroes of Telemark commandos who helped thwart the Nazis’ dream of a nuclear weapon. The original mission 70 years ago saw Norwegians trained by Britain’s Special Operations Executive blow up the Norsk Hydro plant.
The two-week expedition to retrace their journey across the treacherous Hardanger Plateau is in aid of New Milton-based Pilgrim Bandits, which helps injured ex-servicemen. Mike Witt, 60, who runs the charity, said: “It will be an honour and a huge privilege.”
