This episode features Mark Harding, Army veteran, and award-winning military charity fundraising campaigner.

Mark tells Harry about the moment he was shot in the neck by a Taliban sniper in 2010 during his service with the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment in Afghanistan. He talks about his emotions on being initially told he would never walk again, his rehabilitation in hospital and the long-term effects of the injury on his life today.

Mark triumphed in the ‘Inspiration’ category at this year’s Soldiering On Awards, organised by our partners X-Forces Enterprise, after being nominated by our charity for his courage and record as a military charity fundraiser. He admits he was “gobsmacked” to receive the award and hopes it will help highlight his work for military charities.

He shares a few anecdotes about his recent epic walk on crutches from John O’Groats to Land’s End in support of Scotty’s Little Soldiers who help bereaved Army children. His personal motto, inspired by his Army service, is “it’s all about the people to the left and to the right of me” and underpins all his charity work, mainly channelled through his Project Belief Foundation.

Recently, Mark also took part in our Frontline Walk through the Normandy beaches to raise funds for our work and commemorate the fallen. The Army’s national charity is grateful for everything he has done for us over the years, and we thank him for sharing his story on our podcast.

ABOUT GENERAL TALK

Hosted by Harry Bucknall and featuring leading figures from across the British Army and beyond, our monthly General Talk podcast examines the changing role of the military in the modern world.

To listen to other episodes in our General Talk podcast series, please visit our page.

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