Injured marine goes back to work

Marine Ormrod was on foot patrol in Afghanistan when he was injured

A Royal Marine has gone back at work less than a year after losing both his legs and an arm in Afghanistan.

Mark Ormrod, 24, of Plymouth, Devon, lost his limbs on Christmas Eve when he stepped on a mine in Helmand province.

The marine, who was with Taunton-based 40 Commando, went through months of rehabilitation learning to walk unaided on his artificial legs.

Last month he joined 42 Commando at Bickleigh, Plymouth, where he has been given a desk job.

Wedding challenge

Marine Ormrod said he was enjoying being back in a military environment, but it was a "challenge" learning a new job.

"I suppose I'm going to have to come to terms with the fact that I'm not going to be able to do the job that I was trained to do," he said.

Jackie Ormrod says her son's progress has astounded the family

"But I can still support the lads who are doing that job if I'm back in the UK - and that's good enough for me."

After being told he would be eligible for £214,000 compensation, the Ministry of Defence increased the upper limit for all serious injuries and his lump-sum payment has doubled to £428,000.

But the Royal Marine said his focus has not been on the money, but on getting better, getting back to work and getting married to his fiancee Becky next May.

"Planning the wedding has been one of the busiest things, but it's all coming together now," he said.

His mother Jackie said Mark's determination and progress has been astounding.

Staff at Derriford Hospital, where she works, have set up a Local Hero project, which aims to raise about £50,000 next year.

"I'm humbled really, to think that everyone has rallied around for us," she said.