Triple amputee, Op Herrick 12's most seriously injured commando, becomes charity ambassador
The most seriously injured commando to have survived Operation Herrick 12 tour will represent the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) as an ambassador.
Former Royal Marines Officer Jon White, on his second operational tour of Afghanistan during the infamous Op Herrick, stepped on a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED), the blast caused life-changing injuries, which resulted in him losing three limbs.
Military charities played a key role in his recovery and the RMA is now "delighted" to welcome Jon, who has since become an "internationally sought-after inspirational and motivational speaker", as one of its new ambassadors.
In its official announcement, the RMA said: "Jon's road to recovery has seen him take on many demanding physical challenges, proving, in reality, the powerful belief that 'a strong will and sharp mind can overcome almost anything'."
As well as his motivational speaking, the former Royal Marine is a property developer and talented kayaker, competing across three disciplines, sprint, marathon, and ocean. He is currently training for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Jon is also no stranger to the media, having featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs and BBC 2's Commando: Britain's Ocean Warriors.
The RM charity added that Jon has a "long and proud association with the RM Commandos and is an inspiration and respected individual not only throughout the entire corps family but also across the wider Armed Forces and public community".
Following in the footsteps of his father, who had served for 25 years, at the age of 14 Jon decided he also wanted to be a Royal Marine. He joined up in 2002 before quickly rising through the ranks.
It was during his time as captain in command of Reconnaissance Troop 40 Commando during his second operational tour of Afghanistan when he suffered his critical injury.
The charity added: "The charity has remained by Jon's side over the intervening years, offering support as he has excelled in applying himself to adjusting and rehabilitating in the same way he applied himself to his military career."
Jon has since achieved a BSc in Psychology from the University of Exeter, qualified as an executive coach and, in pursuing his talent for kayaking, was the first time para-athlete to compete in the Nelo Summer Challenge in 2019, a world-level ocean race.
He went on to represent Team Great Britain at the Marathon World Championships in 2022, triumphing with bronze and silver medals.
Following the charity's announcement, the former Royal Marines officer said: "RMA – The Royal Marines Charity has been the safety net I needed throughout my recovery and resettlement post-injury.
"I have experienced and witnessed their great work and have been delighted to raise money for them. I'm now honoured to become an ambassador."
The charity added: "Jon has used his astounding energy and resilience skills to raise money and promote RMA.
"Over the years, he has undertaken numerous kayaking challenges to raise much-needed funds and, since individual records started to be recorded in 2018, has to date raised around £22,000.
"Jon is also an integral part of the charity's Commando Mindset team, a programme that delivers resilience training to senior leaders in the business community, helping in the process to strengthen relationships with the corporate world."
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
