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Community News

Afghanistan vet returns from Invictus games with hopes of a flying future

A former soldier living in North Swindon, who returned new normalcy that is your life and learning to become
from May’s second Invictus Games for disabled military self-sufficient; wallowing in the past is not an option.
personnel, has expressed his deep appreciation for the “Later when we talked about future options I had
care, support and encouragement he has received since ideas of becoming a weapons training instructor, but the
being seriously injured in Afghanistan. medical board suggested it was safer if I retrain as a tailor
When Corrie Mapp, right, was just seven years old on a for the regiment. Working indoors didn’t appeal at all and
visit to the UK from Barbados, a seed was sown, watching I decided to leave the Army at the end of August 2013.
the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, that one Corrie currently plays six sports and represents Great
day he would join the British Army. Britain in bobsleigh, sitting volleyball as well as track
By way of army cadets at secondary school and four and and field events. He also plays cricket for the Hampshire
a half years with the Barbados Police armed response unit, disabled team, golf and sledge hockey.
in 2005 he joined the Household Cavalry Regiment. Within Corrie was a member of the British veterans sitting
a year he was on horse guard duty, having his picture volleyball team at the first Invictus Games in 2014 in
taken by thousands of tourists, and later was on show at London which took the gold medal, but returned from the
the Trooping of the Colour. second games in the USA with a silver medal. “Florida was
In 2009 his squadron was deployed to Afghanistan an awesome experience; the welcome and support was
where, in the dust and heat, looking after horses and amazing,” he said.
polishing breast plates and helmets became a fond At the age of 37 Corrie is focussing on the next stage
memory. Corrie’s memory of the improvised explosive device that blew of his life as he's applied to Wings for Warriors to train as a commercial
up under him, tearing off his left leg below the knee, is non-existent. He helicopter pilot.
explained: “It was 31 January 2010 and my Scimitar light reconnaissance Out of serious injury that took him to the edge of life, Corrie has emerged
vehicle was on the way to help an injured infantryman and his unit which strong and focussed about the future. “I’m happy in myself and accept my
was pinned down by enemy fire. We were heading for high ground when the injury as my normal,” he said. “But there’s no question, I’m very thankful
IED went off; the three in the vehicle were injured but I was the lowest and to all those people who have been with me all the way during the recovery
caught the full blast. process, from the guys who pulled me from the wreck of the vehicle to all
“Other soldiers involved and the medical staff have filled in the blanks. the medical and physio staff who have put me back together. I've had great
Later I talked with the guy who tied the tourniquet to stop the bleeding and help from Help for Heroes, the British Legion and the limbless veterans
the others who put me in the helicopter along with the injured infantryman. charity Blesma, and I'd like to thank all the people who donate to keep these
I was told the surgical team at Camp Bastion had to take my right leg off charities going. And Mrs Garton, the head at Bridlewood School, has bent
before being flown to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. They also had to deal over backwards to help me and my family.
with a punctured lung, a broken hand and my face was pretty mangled up.” “Wherever I’ve been I’ve met really good people who have given me
After three weeks Corrie transferred to the MoD’s Hedley Court recovery strength to be where I am now.”
centre to be fitted with prosthetic legs and to start an intensive programme Read the full story and see pictures of Corrie in the military and
of rehabilitation. He said: “They believe in quickly getting you used to the representing Britain in various sports events: www.bit.ly/corriemapp
That sinking feeling as Lydiard House’s south tower causes delays Region’s biggest
to Swindon council process and extraordinary meeting is called business expo comes

An extraordinary borough council has been listed as an Asset of to STEAM
meeting has been called by Community Value, will remain in
Swindon’s Labour Group who is council ownership and £850,000
putting in a motion to stop Lydiard has been allocated to assist any
House and Park being run for profit successful bidder with the current
by a private company. maintenance backlog for the site.
The meeting will take place on 15 Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon
June at 7pm at the Civic Offices and Borough Council’s Cabinet Member
is open to the public. responsible for Lydiard, said: “We
Newly elected Labour councillor are committed to both preserving
for Lydiard and Freshbrook Matthew and enhancing the park. Helping
Courtliff said: “During the local ensure prospective bidders are as
election campaign, the strength of informed as possible about this
feeling about Lydiard was clear and Lydiard House’s South Tower site is important, which is why The South West Expo will take place
I made a pledge to ensure control we’re happy to provide them with from 9am to 3pm at Steam on
would not be given away to a The window for bids, which the additional detail requested to Thursday 30 June.
private sector body, which might not opened in February, will now close inform and refine their proposals.” Billed as the largest business
run Lydiard in the best interests of on Friday 8 July. Mike Bowden, chair of the Lydiard show in the south west, the day will
our community.” It is thought the delay has been Heritage Trust which is making a include networking opportunities,
This comes after the council caused by potential problems with community bid for the park, said: workshops and stands from
announced an extension to the Lydiard House’s south tower, which “The process of dealing with the businesses from across the region.
deadline for proposals by bidders to was reported in Swindon Link’s bidding is both fair and competent. Keynote speakers include Sergeant
take over the house and park by two March edition as suffering from The council is dealing with a series Rick Clement, a double amputee
months. Concerns were raised by the possible subsidence and that a full of issues which has caused delay, and Afghanistan war hero who will
bidders asked for more information, independent structural survey is the most pressing of which is the give an inspirational talk, as well as
focusing on the listed House and now being carried out. structural integrity of the south Richard Woods, Apprentice finalist
other buildings on the site, which Expressions of interest from Tower of the house.” 2015, sales entrepreneur Alison
will be made available during the commercial and not-for-profit l In her own words Gina Akers, great Edgar, author and motivational
process so it can be considered in bodies were invited last year, granddaughter of Francis Akers, who speaker Brad Burton and Julianne
their submissions if appropriate. resulting in nine organisations gifted Lydiard Park to Swindon, talks Ponan, award winning young
The council’s aim is to reduce its declaring an interest. about what the site means for her and entrepreneur. For details and to
annual subsidy of £450,000. Lydiard House and Park, which her family on page 46. register www.southwestexpo.co.uk
swindonlink.com n June 2016 9

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