Captain Anthony Harris

These include Basra in Iraq, Belfast in Northern Ireland, and Helmand Province in Afghanistan. But Captain Harris’s life took a significant turn when the heavily armed Jackal vehicle he was driving in the last of these regions was rocked by an improvised explosive device (IED). He thought he was lucky to get away with two shattered heels, a broken elbow and being ejected from the vehicle into a live minefield (from which his colleagues rescued him). However, infection meant that Harris eventually had to lose his left leg.

As is often the case with motivational speakers, Capt Harris decided to reinvent himself and set up the Race2Recovery motor racing team which enables other soldiers who have been wounded to have respite while their bodies and minds recover from their traumatic experiences. The team took part in the extremely demanding Dakar Rally and has raised more than £115,000 for Help for Heroes and other charities relating to military personnel.

Still not content with his achievements, the Captain set up the Row2Recovery programme in which six wounded soldiers crossed the Atlantic. The scheme has so far raised more than £1m for Help for Heroes.