Soldiering On Awards: People's Choice Finalist Luke Delahunty

The Soldiering On Awards have announced that voting is now officially underway for the People's Choice Award.

The prize recognises the achievements of those who have served their country and the diverse people and groups who work together in support of the Armed Forces community.

We've taken a look at the fantastic work undertaken by each of the finalists - amongst whom is RAF Regiment veteran Luke Delahunty...

Luke Delahunty's life changed it in an instant when a motorbike accident left him paralysed from the chest down.

Eight years into a career as a gunner with the RAF Regiment - and having seen tours in Germany, Northern Ireland and Cyprus - he faced having to rebuild his life at just 24 years old.

The incident ended Luke's military career and months of painful recovery in hospital followed. 

However, he found a light in the darkness of his paralysis and began to take part in sport as part of his treatment taking up handcycling, rowing and wheelchair rugby.

Luke was assisted by the RAF Benevolent Fund when he left the forces, who provided furnishings for his home and purchased IT equipment.

The charity also contributed to the cost of a hand cycle to ensure Luke was able to continue his quest for sporting excellence. He told them afterwards:

"Sport was very heavily involved in my rehabilitation. As an RAF Regiment gunner I was very fit and active.

"Fitness and strength helps in everyday life. It's helped give me a goal, mentally and physically."

He let go of his anger at having his career cut short and his life changed forever into a force for good, with Luke achieving selection to the UK Team for the Invictus Games, not once but twice. He said:

"I had no idea when I started [hand] cycling that I'd end up competing in the Invictus Games.

"There were a lot of things I didn't think I would do after my injury but you never know what life has in store."

But it is Luke's work with young people facing the same diagnosis which stands him out as an inspiration to others.

He became a mentor for people at the National Spinal Injuries Centre in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, seeking out those who were overwhelmed by the unexpected turn their lives had taken.

As well as taking up disability sports as part of his own rehabilitation, Luke has also cycled to Paris and been on scuba diving and skiing trips.

He also visits schools and gives talks to young people demonstrating how to overcome adversity and achieve their goals, including teaching them what it means to be a wheelchair user and the opportunities available.

The People's Choice Award, sponsored by Forces Network, is being selected by public vote before the winner is announced at a black-tie ceremony on April 20.

Members of the public have until midnight on March 12 to give a huge boost of morale to people who deserve all the support we can give them in their dedication to the Armed Forces community - through one easy click on a voting website.

Cover image courtesy of the Royal Air Force Club via Twitter.

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