The Doncaster-born former soldier, who lost both of his legs and suffered horrific multiple injuries after a landmine blast in Afghanistan last year, is continuing his slow but steady recovery at the Military Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey.

But, as revealed by the Free Press last week, his family are hoping to welcome the 23-year-old back to Wheatley Hills over the festive period.
Whenever Ben is ready to return, we're aiming to help do it in style. We've been working with the Yorkshire Bank in Doncaster to set up a trust which makes it easy to donate to Ben's appeal.

And our motoring men are currently busy searching for the perfect vehicle that can be specially adapted to transport the car-lover back to his hometown - and make life a little easier in the long term for his family.

And with a bit of luck - and some frantic fundraising - we're hoping Ben can travel home for Christmas courtesy of you, our readers.

Ben's mum Diane Dernie, who is awaiting the outcome of a review into military compensation after her son was awarded just £152,150 for his injuries by the Ministry of Defence, revealed last week her target of bringing Ben home before the New Year.

And along with the support of JCI Doncaster and the Doncaster Lions Club, we're hoping to provide some festive cheer for a family left devastated by the events in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

South Yorkshire Newspapers editor-in-chief Graeme Huston said: "We at the Free Press are very grateful to the Yorkshire Bank for all their help in setting up the trust and we're delighted to see the first fundraising events have been announced.

"We very much hope as many people as possible will get involved so that Doncaster can say a big thank you to a courageous man and respected soldier."

Intake Primary School, meanwhile, have arranged a non-uniform day tomorrow to raise money for Ben.

The idea was the brainchild of parent Katie Cullen, of Dunleary Road in Intake, whose two daughters Ellie, six, and Abbie, four, attend the school.

"I used to live next door to Ben's grandparents and they just live up the road from me now," she said.

"They're lovely people and I remember them talking about Ben, saying how worried they were about him going to Afghanistan.

"When I saw what happened I just thought it was something simple the school could do to raise some money."

The organiser of this year's Christmas carol service at St Aidan's Church in Wheatley Hills has also announced that part of the proceeds from the night will be donated to the 'Help Brave Ben' appeal.

Ted Pidd, a member of the Fellowship of the Services, said: "The amount of money raised won't be very great - it's usually about £50 or £60 - but hopefully the support of an ex-serviceman group will offer some encouragement to Ben and his family."

The carol service will take place on Tuesday, December 18, at 7.30pm.

* Anyone interested in organising a fundraising event to help support Ben can contact the Free Press on (01302) 347260 for publicity.


To make a donation to the Benjamin James Parkinson Trust visit the Doncaster branch of Yorkshire Bank on St Sepulchre Gate. Cheques can be made payable to 'Ben Parkinson' or 'Ben Parkinson Trust'. Cheques can be sent to to PO Box 17, 19 St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 1SJ. If you have a fundraiser planned call the Free Press for pictures and publicity on 01302-347260