'I Can Focus On What I Can Do, Not What I Can’t'

Injured veterans have taken to racing Go-Karts to help rebuild their confidence and their lives.

The charity, Back on Track, was founded when a doctors realised the positive effects Karting was having on his patients.

The Harley Street Skin Clinic, headed up by husband and wife team Lesley Reynolds and Dr Aamer Khan, are known for their celebrity clientele but have been quietly working with injured servicemen and women.

The couple specialise in the field of scar tissue reduction.

Many casualties of war are young men and women whose confidence has been damaged along with their body.

Former British soldier, Martyn Compton, was badly injured in Afghanistan when his vehicle was ambushed. 

He said: "I always say I'm the lucky one.

"I was the only one out of four to get out of my wagon. 

"I live every day as it comes and live it to the full... To be around guys that I know... And racing, which is what I love."

Martyn may now be heading from the race track to the cycle lane, with ambitions to compete in next year's Invictus Games. 

Dr Khan said: “One female patient was on a tour of duty in Afghanistan where she was caught in an explosion and badly burned on her upper body.

“She lost confidence and didn’t like leaving the house but we have been treating her for a year now and the difference is amazing!

“There’s still a way to go, but she is now happy to wear strappy tops like most women. The treatment is not painless but the results are absolutely worth it in the end.

“These guys all work in the theatre of war, I simply work in the theatre and it’s a real joy for me to be able to help to make any difference, however small.”

Another former soldier is double-amputee Mark Allen, who had facial scars from the IED blast that took his legs. 

He said: “Being able to race against non-injured drivers on a totally level playing field has helped me rebuild my life.

"I’ve been able to focus on what I can do, not what I can’t do.”