Amputee veteran takes on 7K ultra-gritty race for Blesma

A former Paratrooper, who lost his leg while serving in Afghanistan, is taking on the Nuclear Rush this weekend to support Military Charity Blesma, the Limbless Veterans.

Michael Lewis will battle a 7k muddy obstacle course at Nuclear Races, Brentwood to say thanks for the help Blesma provided him after he lost his right leg.

In 2008 Michael was serving with 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment (2PARA) in Afghanistan. With only six weeks left of his tour, he and his platoon were engaged by the Taliban.

During an intense fire-fight Michael was hit by friendly fire in his right leg, left knee, left arm and helmet. The blast wound to his arm nearly severed it off.

The blast led to the amputation of Michael’s right leg below the knee and he has lost some of the use in his left arm. About how much Blesma have helped Michael he said:

“They’ve helped with so many things such as a new wet room, repaired my fence when the wind was bad, to advice and help with prosthetics so it’s a chance for me to give back to such a great organisation.”

Michael, who will be taking on the challenge with his brother-in-law and ex-servicemen Joe Byrne, who served with 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers has a variety of different prosthetics for the muddy obstacle race.

“I have about 12 different legs. My wife always goes mad because she’s always tripping over them.

"I do motor cross so I’ve got one for that. I’ve got one for the gym for specific leg training. I’ve got one for skiing, one for swimming.”

Want to support Michael and Joe? Click here.