An injured former lance corporal, who lost his right eye while serving in Afghanistan, is taking on the London Marathon this weekend in aid of military charity Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.

David Chandler, 36, from Little Billing, Northampton will run 26 miles to thank Blesma for always being there when he needed them.

In 2009, David was serving with the Mercian Regiment in Afghanistan, when he was part of a Quick Reaction Force travelling to a request for assistance. His soldiers began getting too close together, meaning any blast or contact would have inflicted more causalities, and so he ordered them to space out. Private Jason Williams then denoted an IED and David was caught the blast, which resulted in the loss of his right eye. Tragically Pte Williams was killed.

David said: “Running the London Marathon for Blesma is my way of thanking them for all their hard work. They’ve always been there for me and my family and as a family, we’ve been able to attend their family rehabilitation activity, which was great. I’ve also been able to attend some of their rehabilitation activities solo, too.”

The 36-year-old is hoping to run the Marathon in three hours 30 minutes, however after an accident on a snowy training day, he twisted his knee which may set him back. As extra motivation, Nyle, David’s son, has been cycling alongside him during training.

If you would like to support David’s London Marathon effort on Sunday 22^nd April, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-chandler7

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.

Notes to Editor

Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:

David whilst in service: http://blesma.org/media/442731/david-chandler.jpg

David with his son, Nyle: http://blesma.org/media/442730/david-chandler-1.jpg

Are you inspired? Apply for a Blesma London Marathon charity place

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