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Hero Ben Parkinson leads Remembrance service
Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson lays a wreath during the Remembrance service. Picture: Liz Mockler D2774LM
Inspirational war hero Ben Parkinson paid his respects to his fallen comrades by bravely walking to lay his wreath at a Remembrance Day Service.
Lance Bombardier Parkinson - - the country’s most injured serviceman to survive his wounds - paid his respects at a Remembrance service in Bennetthorpe yesterday.
Watched by hundreds of people, Ben rose to his feet from his wheelchair, helped by mum Diane Dernie and stepdad Andy Dernie.
The 28-year-old slowly walked 300 yards, with the aid of crutches, to pay his respects.
He said: “I am very proud to be here. It is important for me to pay my respects.
“I’m doing unbelievably well, but there’s still a lot further to go.
“I want to do even better next year.”
His mother, Diane Dernie, 54, who gave up her job to look after Ben full time, said “nothing could be more important” to her son than remembering those who had died in war and other conflicts.
Ben, who is still a serving soldier, ignored doctors who told him he would be bedridden for the rest of his life and would never talk was determined to prove them wrong by walking again.
Next year he is hoping to be able to stand unaided at the event.
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Weather for Doncaster
Thursday 23 May 2013
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Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
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