Ed - first steps to a new life

Young and fit, Ed loved Army life, as his father had done before him. At only 23 he was serving in Iraq and had his whole career in front of him. He loved serving in the 5th Rifles Infantry and he was good at his job, one of the best.

In a split second his life changed forever. A bomb exploded leaving Ed with such horrific complex head injuries that his skull needed reconstruction. His brain was so badly damaged that he suffered a type of stroke; the part of his brain that sends messages to move his limbs is now not functioning properly.

Early in 2008, Ed arrived at Lister House, one of the Legion's seven residential homes. Lister House has a highly specialised physiotherapy department and a hydrotherapy pool, both of which have played a vital role in Ed's recovery to date.

Lister House has provided Ed with a specific care plan and a large team dedicated to helping him reach his goals; there is a very close bond between them all. Everyone, including Ed, is working hard so that he can reach his goals: more mobility and more independence.

The biggest challenge that faced Ed's team when he arrived was his motivation and coming to terms with the extent of his injuries. He has now accepted the extent of his injuries and after only eight months at Lister House he has made amazing progress. Now that he can see just how much his quality of life is improving, Ed is really enthusiastic.

The next stage in his recovery is to re-learn skills such as making a cup of tea, feeding and dressing himself using his right arm and hand.

Ed is very sociable, so when an invitation arrived for a Regimental Reunion, Lister House pulled out all the stops to get him to Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury, a journey of around 138 miles from Lister House.

It took three weeks of logistical planning for a three-day trip. It was a tremendous feat of organisation. For example, one of the nurses visited the hotel prior to the reunion to ensure that his special hospital bed would fit. Lister House’s specially equipped minibus took Ed and his carer to the reunion.

His father was there to meet him and wheeled him in to meet his old comrades. He had a wonderful time.

"It was a tremendous boost to his confidence. Everyone made such a fuss of him," said Petronelle Fowler-Watts, Matron of Lister House. "He really blossomed."

This amazing young man has been through so much and come so far. But he still has a long way to go.

For as long as Ed needs Lister House it will be his home. For as long as he needs the support of the Legion we'll be there for him… and all other young heroes who are prepared to sacrifice so much.