FORMER soldier Mark Newton visited Help for Heroes Recovery Centre Tedworth House recently during his 11,000 mile journey around Britain… on his mobility scooter!

Mark, 48, previously served with the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards and was on duty with the United Nations in Cyprus when he injured his knee in 1991.

Despite several operations, the damage to the former tank driver’s knee meant his condition deteriorated to the point where he now needs to use a mobility scooter.

Charity crusade

Keen to do something remarkable after being medically discharged, he launched a mammoth fundraising challenge.

He plans to travel all over Britain on his mobility scooter, which only reaches a top speed of 8mph. The scooter pulls along a trailer which he sleeps in every night.

Throughout his journey, Mark plans to photograph and document Commonwealth War Graves, War Memorials, Lifeboat Graves and Memorials in Great Britain, of which there are more than 350,000.

His trek has so far raised in excess of £40,000 for military charities.

Helping our wounded heroes

Speaking at Tedworth House, he said: “Being able to spend time here, amongst the wounded members of our Armed Forces has been inspirational and has reinforced to me why I took on this incredible challenge to begin with. It has given me extra motivation and impetus to keep going.”

Tedworth House centre manager Giles Woodhouse added: “There are so many ways to do your bit for our wounded heroes and Mark is an excellent example of somebody going above and beyond to raise money for Help for Heroes.”

For more information on Mark’s epic journey go to www.aroundbritain.org.uk

How can you help?

To find out how you can fundraise for Help for Heroes, go to www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-involved/events-and-fundraising

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