Crowds Turn Out To Watch War Hero Carry Olympic Torch
PARATROOPER, Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson, the most seriously wounded British soldier to survive the military operation in Afghanistan, as he carries the Olympic Flame through his home town of Doncaster England, during Day 39 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay June 26.
He lost both legs, had his back, hips and ribs broken and suffered brain damage when his vehicle drove over a mine in 2006.
Walking with him were 25 colleagues from his Colchester-based Paratroop platoon, dressed in their fatigues and red berets.
L/Bdr Parkinson, 27, took about 26 minutes to complete the route through Bennetthorpe and the crowds lining the 300m route cheered his every step
Afterwards Ben when asked how he felt he said: “A million pounds.”
After he got back in his wheelchair he said: “I am so proud. I didn’t realise how much support I had. I was amazed.”
Ben’s commanding officer Major David Walker added: “My men would have crawled over broken glass to come here today to show Ben our support. What he has done is nothing short of awe inspiring.”
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