Military veteran and arm amputee Kirk Bowett – who sustained his injuries on a tour of Iraq- will walk the Norfolk coast for the charity that supported him.
He will lead a team of six, including wife Carole, on a 47 mile walk from Hunstanton to Cromer .
Starting at 8am on October 3 and finishing just 24 hours later, the team will be raising money for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.
The team is made up of friends and family, with Kirk’s employer Landmarc Solutions providing support in the way of food and a support vehicle.
Kirk, 37, of Wisbech, was inspired when he saw other fundraisers completing the walk and wanted to give something back to Blesma.
He says: “I am a limbless veteran who has been a member of Blesma for two years. “After completing 16 years of service with the Army back in 2010 I pursued a career in the Middle East as a private security contractor.
“Whilst working in Iraq in 2013 my vehicle was hit by a blast whilst escorting clients to Baghdad. The incident resulted in serious injuries for me including loss of my left arm below elbow and the reconstruction of my right foot. My driver was also killed in the incident which lives with me as I move on with my life.”
“Since recovering from my injuries I have been welcomed in to a unique club of inspirational individuals. Blesma has provided help decorating our new home and in two years I have had the opportunity to visit Colorado twice, on winter and summer expeditions with other injured veterans.
“Being a veteran in civilian life can be a hard adaptation, and that coupled with limb loss and PTSD can leave people extremely isolated, even if they do not show it on the surface.”
“Blesma has enabled me to meet fellow veterans who have developed a unique brother/sisterhood and support network. I feel privileged and honoured to be a member of this unique and precious organisation.”
The team are aiming to raise around £800 for Blesma but are hoping to beat this target. To support Kirk, please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/Kirk-Bowett1/
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.
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