Paralysed War Veteran's Epic Trek to Arnhem: Honouring WW2 Heroes and Supporting Bereaved Military Children
Veteran Mark Harding's Incredible Journey of Remembrance and Fundraising
Mark Harding, a long-standing supporter of bereaved children's military charity Scotty's Little Soldiers, is embarking on another extraordinary fundraising challenge. Mark, a paralysed war veteran, plans to walk 656 miles from Carlisle to the Netherlands to honour his great-grandfather and the courageous veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Market Garden – the military operation fought in the Netherlands between 17 to 25 September 1944.
Mark in gateway with Scotty's Flag
Mark's Inspiring Story
In 2010, while serving in Afghanistan, Mark Harding was shot through the neck, resulting in the complete shattering of his C5 and C6 spinal segments and paralysis from the neck down. Despite being told multiple times that he would never walk again, Mark defied the odds and started to regain some movement. Last year, he completed a challenge that his doctors would have thought impossible – walking for 85 days across the entire length of the UK, from John O’Groats to Lands’ End, using crutches, raising over £36,000 for Scotty's Little Soldiers.
Side x-ray showing shrapnel still in Mark's body
A Journey of Determination
Mark's upcoming trek to the Netherlands will kick off on the 20th of July and finish in Arnhem in time for the 80th anniversary. His journey is not just about the physical challenge though; it's about embracing the same determination and spirit that defined the soldiers of Operation Market Garden 80 years ago.
In Mark's words:
"What drives me is the deep respect I have for my great grandfather, grandad and all the courageous veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Market Garden. My great grandfather tragically lost his life at the young age of 33 when his ship was sunk by a U-boat."
Mark during his challenge last year
Mark also honours Denham H. Brotheridge, a brave soldier who suffered a similar fate as Mark, being shot through the neck by machine gunfire on Pegasus Bridge.
"In tackling this mission, I will embrace the same unwavering determination and spirit that defined the Soldiers of Operation Market Garden. Just like them, I have meticulously devised plans to fulfil this challenge, using my resolve to honour the tragically claimed lives of over 4,000 Allied forces."
“Reflecting on the soldiers’ sacrifices, I cannot help but feel a sense of sadness when I think about the children who were left orphaned during that time 80 years ago. It therefore feels fitting that I do this challenge to raise awareness and funds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity close to my heart that supports children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces. Whilst I’m walking, I’ll be thinking of the children and the sacrifices their parents made.”
Mark crossing a bridge during his walk in 2023
Nikki Scott's Message
Nikki Scott, founder of Scotty's Little Soldiers, expresses her gratitude for Mark's dedication: "Mark's commitment to Scotty’s is incredible. He took on an inspiring challenge for Scotty’s last year when he walked from John O’Groats to Lands’ End, and it’s amazing that he’s supporting Scotty’s again with another mammoth challenge. His incredible fundraising efforts help ensure that we can continue providing essential support to bereaved military children and young people. We are so grateful to Mark for his continued support and we wish him well as he makes his way to the Netherlands.”
Nikki Scott & Mark Harding at Scotty's Ball 2023
About Scotty’s
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people, 0 to 25 years, who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
When a young person joins Scotty’s, they become a member and are supported until their 25th birthday. Whether it be one-to-one bereavement support, a respite break with the family, an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, or access to extracurricular activities, Scotty’s is always there for its members to ensure they don’t feel alone.
So far this year, Scotty’s has supported over 700 bereaved military children and young people and has a long-term goal to support over 1,000 children annually by 2030.
Children & Young people enjoying themselves at a Scotty's event