Ed Parker

What was being portrayed publicly at that time, was a tale of pity and sorrow for those who had been injured in the war. However, when Ed went to visit Harry in hospital, what he saw was very different; men and women, many whose lives would never be the same again, already determined to work out how to overcome their injuries.

As a result, the mission of the charity is to empower military veterans facing serious challenges to find their place in society again – those who have lost limbs, but also the hundreds of thousands who are coping with less visible ailments – by offering integral support with issues such as housing, employment and mental health. With the help of National Lottery funding, and fundraising efforts such as a North and South Pole expedition with Prince Harry, Ed and Walking with the Wounded have had an extraordinary impact for veterans across the country.

Ed Parker said: “The backstory for how Walking with the Wounded was started is a family one. Despite being a soldier myself and being perfectly aware of the dangers, after my nephew Harry stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device in Helmand Province in July 2009 and lost both of his legs, visiting him in hospital felt brutal. However, the mood among all of these young people in hospital was one of resolve and determination, and I strongly felt that this was the story that should be told."

“We set up Walking with the Wounded to provide support to the veteran community and those who have fallen the furthest through the societal cracks. The charity has gone on to provide programmes that, over the years, have transformed the lives and futures of ex-service personnel and their families. I am honoured to be a National Lottery Game Changer, the support and funding they provide to charities like this one truly makes an extraordinary difference.”