Veteran’s charity effort after a grenade ‘blew up in his face’
HULL 4 HEROES SUPPORT
A WAR veteran whose skull was shattered when a grenade blew up in his face is preparing to compete in the Hull Half Marathon.
Inspirational Chris Ashton suffered a massive brain injury and lost his right eye in the explosion, when he was serving in Iraq in September 2006.
He then suffered a number of strokes as doctors operated on his skull, leaving him paralysed down his left side.
Now, in a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Hull veteran Chris will attempt to complete the 13-mile course on a power-assisted hand cycle tomorrow.
And he says the cycle, provided by the Hull 4 Heroes charity, has given him “a new sense of freedom”.
Chris served as a radio operator with the Royal Logistics Corps and was attached to the Black Watch when the explosion happened.
He spent six months in Headley Court military hospital and another 18 months in the Goole Neurorehabilitation Centre, before he was allowed home and began rebuilding his life.
He previously completed the Hull 10km in a wheelchair, supported by friends and teammates.
This time, however, he will be aiming to complete the full 13 miles unaided.
In preparation for the challenge, Chris has been in training with members of Hull 4 Heroes and 4 Yorks Regiment, who will be running alongside him all the way.
He has taken part weekly in the Park Run, learning how to ride the cycle with his one able arm, and has had physio sessions to strengthen his muscles.
Chris said: “I am taking part in the 2022 Hull Half Marathon for Hull 4 Heroes. After sustaining my injuries, I never thought that I would be able to do something like this.
“But, the hand bike has given me a new sense of freedom and confidence to take on challenges.
“This is hopefully the first of many, with my ultimate aim being to climb a mountain”
The new power-assisted hand cycle had been bought by Hull 4 Heroes for Chris and other injured veterans to use.
The Hull 10km and half-marathon will be held tomorrow.