Prince Harry has joined injured former British soldiers through the picturesque English countryside near Ludlow in Shropshire as they trek the length of the country on their own personal roads to recovery.
Credit/Copyright: www.princehenryofwales.org/
The Prince is Patron of the Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) Walk of Britain and on Wednesday lent his support to the six-strong team who have taken on the arduous 1,000-mile (1,609km) journey.
He has previously spoken of the “very difficult” transition to civilian life that former service personnel face, particularly those who carry the scars and burdens of war.
The five men and a woman, including two ex-US Marines, are all battling to overcome grievous injuries, both physical and mental, suffered in the line of duty.
Among them are three victims of IED blasts in Afghanistan, amputees, and two who suffered traumatic brain injuries. Another lost an eye.
Prince Harry, announcing the trek in March, said: “People up and down the country will get to see first-hand the determination and resolve of those who have served, and in particular those who have been injured or suffer hidden wounds.”
He added: “They will see that, whatever their circumstances, these men and women are looking to the future.”
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s walk, The Prince said he was “hugely looking forward” to joining the team on their “formidable” challenge.
The trek started in Scotland in August and is set to take 72 days, finishing at Buckingham Palace on November 1.
Harry has supported WWTW since the charity was formed, taking part in its treks to the North Pole in 2011 and South Pole in 2013.
Prince Harry was also patron of its Everest expedition in 2012.
Throughout the Walk of Britain, the team will be joined by other supporters, with the event raising awareness about the charity’s wider work.
Walking With The Wounded assists veterans left injured or disadvantaged by service with the aim of helping them gain as much independence in their lives outside the armed forces.
The charity’s work includes support for homeless ex-servicemen and those who find themselves before the courts.
Source: www.princehenryofwales.org
