Paralympics British armed forces hero – Charlie Walker

Charlie Walker is one of the members of the Paralympics GB sitting volleyball team.

The 32-year-old has amassed over 50 caps for the team since being introduced to the sport back in 2009 at the Amputee Games at Stoke Mandeville and he is now set to take part in the Paralympic Games.

A former Army bomb disposal officer, he lost both of his legs after contracting meningitis in 2006.

Speaking to the North West Evening Mail about his illness, Walker said: "I went from feeling a bit ill to being on life support in a matter of hours – it was about as sudden as you can get really."

He quipped that the medical officer initially thought he had a bit of man flu.

Also a talented wheelchair basketball player, Walker quickly readjusted and is looking forward to taking part in the biggest event of his life.

He will be joined in the team by former Gurkha Netra Rana, who lost his left leg while serving in Afghanistan.

Posted by Mark Wilkins