Friends of SSAFA Somerset

SSAFA Somerset

3 days ago

Come and see @SSAFASomerset this Saturday at @YeoviltonAirDay. For this and other forthcoming events see www.friendsofssafasomerset.org.uk/events/ ... See MoreSee Less

SSAFA Somerset

6 days ago

AN EVENING WITH MARK ORMROD 1st August 2019

Mark Ormrod served for ten years as a Royal Marine Commando, in both Iraq and Afghanistan. On a tour of duty in Helmand Province he was caught in a landmine explosion and lost both legs and one arm. In an extraordinary demonstration that life can go on even after tragedy, he has since completed amazing feats ranging from skydiving to running across America and representing Great Britain successfully at the Invictus Games…...

Such was the severity of his injuries, at one point medics were even debating whether they should give up on him to move to another soldier whom they knew they could save. After defying all odds and miraculously surviving the explosion, Mark went on to continue to defy expectations at every turn of his rehabilitation After initially being told he would never walk again, he first set his sights on standing to receive his campaign medal. The next goal was to walk down aisle with his fiancée (to whom he had proposed in a moment of consciousness whilst in intensive care).

Having achieved those dreams Mark found new challenges, from the mundane tasks such as driving a non-adapted car, to the extraordinary, taking on a four-man run across America and handcycling 3,000 miles around the UK in a single month. He then competed at the Invictus Games, in cycling, rowing, swimming and athletics, where he won four medals (plus the Exceptional Performance Award) and was singled out for praise by the Games’ founder, Prince Harry who referred to him as ‘Superman’ and a new friendship was formed. With Prince Harry having a good understanding and experience of both military life and combat on the front line, the two formed a special bond which can only be understood by those who have experienced similar circumstances.

In a compelling tale of survival against the odds, thanks to his own grit and determination, as well as a few lessons from life in the Royal Marines, Mark tells of horrific injuries and remarkable recovery. He explains how, at the very brink of despair, his ‘Marine ethos and state of mind’ kicked in and he conquered his new bionic legs. In an authentic and uplifting presentation, he proudly describes the journey – and that, whatever the setbacks,’ the human spirit is an unbreakable thing’.

Mark has written an account of his experiences in his book Man Down, carried the Olympic torch in 2012, and works for several charities, raising money for veterans, the injured and bereaved families.

We are extremely privileged that Mark will be joining us in the Wessex Pavilion at The Bath & West Showground on 1st August to share his incredible story. Not an opportunity to be missed.

www.bathandwestshowground.com/events/an-evening-with-mark-ormrod ... See MoreSee Less