Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Lance Corporal Mark Harding of the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and I was shot in Afghanistan just over two years ago. My unit was providing cover for another unit when I was hit in the neck by sniper fire and paralysed from the neck down due to fractured vertebrae and a damaged spinal cord. I was transferred back to the UK, and began a painful course of rehabilitation and recovery. I am delighted to say that I am slowly - but surely - making progress. As I recover I intend to fundraise for my fellow servicemen on tour, and their families at home, by taking part in a number of events. I intend to walk with help up Skiddaw, in The Lake District, together with my Support Team. I hope that you will dig deep to support my efforts.

Thank you

LCpl Harding has been under my care since August 2010 having been shot in the neck in May of that year whilst on operations in Afghanistan. This resulted in an incomplete tetraplegia. When Mark first arrived he was wheelchair bound, markedly low in mood and unsure what would happen next. Since that time I have seen him change for the positive both physically and mentally with the help of his wife and the staff at DMRC Headley Court. With the help of the physios he has learnt to walk again with the aid of electrical stimulation to his leg muscles. He has also turned an interest in kayaking into a highly impressive skill and is on his way to developing an international career in the sport. At home he has been supported by his wife and the interventions of the OTs, nurses and social worker in preparing for a life after spinal cord injury. Whilst this whole process has been a significant physical, mental and emotional challenge he has pushed on through and the team have noted a real positivity about his hopes and aspirations for the future. Life after injury will always have additional challenges but with Mark’s attitude and the support of his wife I am sure he will overcome them.

Rhodri D Phillip, Lead Consultant Complex Trauma, DMRC Headley Court

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