Blesma AUTUMN 2013 | Page 17

Stephen Murtagh Age: 20 Home: Liverpool Stephen lost his left leg above the knee in March 2012 when he stood on an Improvised Explosive Device while on patrol in Afghanistan. Medics on the ground saved his right leg and five months of rehabilitation at Headley Court got Stephen back to full health. He was fitted for a prosthetic limb in December 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. Wally Colburn Age: 100 Home: Hemel Hempstead After working as a sailor, photographer, circus entertainer in America, carpenter, and a boxer, Wally now lives in Hemel Hempstead. He lost his right leg above the knee when he contracted MRSA in hospital 10 years ago at the age of 90. He couldn’t get used to a prosthetic limb but remains fiercely independent, often being seen around town on his mobility scooter. www.blesma.org 17