Ben Deakin Gets Ready For The 2011 Race Season

Primera Downhill Team Rider Ben Deakin a Royal Marine Commando from Dorset who was shot in Afghanistan has recently returned from an expedition to Mount Everest as his recovery continues. 

Lance Corporal Ben Deakin 24, was in a Afghanistan when he was injured in Nov 2007. While trying to push enemy forces back from the Kajaki Dam in the helmend province on a routine foot patrol, he was shot in the foot before being forced to run for cover with a shattered ankle with bullets (lead wasps) whizzing past him. 

Since then Ben has undergone a long process involving operations and physiotherapy as he battles back to the physical peak required by the Marines. 

He has just returned from the Khumbu Challenge, which saw two teams of injured soldiers raise money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and The Baton. 

The challenge aimed to put those taking part back in a military environment. "I’ve done some hard training in my career, but it’s a different experience". 

His team trekked to Everest base camp and ascended Kala Pattar at over 18,000 ft. 

Having spent time helping fellow soldiers “decompress” from combat zones with outdoor pursuits in Germany, he is now with Haslar Company in Plymouth although loan drafted to Royal Marines Poole. 

Ben will soon be up in front of the medical board, which will determine my options. That could mean staying in the Marines or heading back to Civvy Street. 

But one thing is certain – a Royal Marine who’s suffered an ankle injury is unlikely to see front line action again due to the weight they carry. 

“At the end of the day I’m sad I can’t be back out there because you undergo that training, but at the other end of the scale I’ve had loads of mates killed. I have to consider myself lucky,” Says Ben.