Page 5 - Mercian Eagle 2012

A Paralympian, an inspirational MerciAn and two friends from the past
Rory and Derek
Rory Mackenzie, who was severely wounded in Basra in January 2007
whilst serving in the RAMC as part of
1 STAFFORDS Battle group, had a momentous part to play in the closing ceremony of the London Paralympics. He was raised forty feet above the stadium to deliver his speech and had a starring role to a global audience. Rory who was brought up in South Africa to British parents, has been full of praise for both Headley Court and the Battle Back Centre, which arranged his rehabilitation process.
We are grateful for Help for Heroes for allowing us to use this photograph.
Pte Pa Njie
The Warrior Games, an annual event hosted by the US Olympic Committee, saw wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans competing in seven paralympics sporting events, in Colorado from 30th April to 5th May 2012.
Private Pa Njie of 1 MERCIAN was one of twenty one athletes representing the British Armed Forces and one of the highlights of the games was the standing ovation he received after completing the 1500 metres, the furthest he has run non stop since sustaining his injuries.
Derek Derenalagi
Congratulations to Derek Derenalagi of 2 MERCIAN who represented Great Britain at
the London Paralympics in the Men’s Discuss. Derek who is 37 described his selection in his own words, “I am just missing two legs. I ‘m not a plastic Brit. I’m
a titanium Brit. I have sacrificed two limbs for this country. I think I have pretty much earned the right to represent it and I am humbled and thankful to be selected.”
We are grateful for Getty Images and Help for Heroes for allowing us to use this photograph.
Karl Hinett with Paralympic Torch
Karl Hinett was badly wounded in Basra in September 2005 whilst serving with 1 STAFFORDS. Karl’s Warrior was hit by
petrol bombs and he suffered 35% burns to his body. Karl
who comes from Tipton, ran
52 marathons in 2011 in all corners of the globe. In May 2012 he was one of a team of wounded soldiers who took
part in the Walking with the Wounded Everest Expedition, which featured in a fascinating documentary. Sadly, exceptionally bad weather prevented them from making a bid to the summit.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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