A former Chester-based soldier who was horrifically injured on tour in Afghanistan has been recognised by the Prime Minister for his charity work.

Shaun Stocker, who was based at Dale Barracks but now lives in Wrexham, lost both of his legs from the knees down, his reproductive organs, left eye, and the vision in his right eye when he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan six days before the end of his tour.

But he refused to give up and has now been awarded the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award for exceptional voluntary service.

Related story: Former Chester-based soldier to walk 100km with new prosthetic legs for charity

Shaun Stocker receives his campaign medal from HM The Queen at Chester Racecourse in 2010

After undergoing several operations, Shaun regained 30% sight in his right eye, and pioneering surgery on his limbs in Australia and mobility training from Blind Veterans UK meant he was able to walk again.

As Blind Veteran UK's youngest veteran, the 25-year-old has since dedicated his life to raising funds and awareness for the charity.

In this, the charity's centenary year, Shaun is walking a phenomenal 100 kilometres across Wales on his new prosthetics to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the charity.

Shaun Stocker with Blind Veterans activity team leader Mark Hollis at his walk in Llanberis

To date, Shaun has completed 62km out of the 100km and has raised just over £28,000.

Shaun commented: "I was very shocked when I was told about the award - I'm honoured. It was never expected and it's nice to be recognised for the work I have done.

“It was a great surprise and I and all my family are very proud.

“I’m raising as much as I can for Blind Veterans UK because of everything they have done for me since my injuries in 2010.

"This is another brilliant way to bring awareness to such a great charity.

“A lot of people have helped me throughout my fundraising and I would like to thank them as well as everyone who has donated.”

Shaun Stocker laps Chester Racecourse as part of his inspiring Stocker's Strides challenge
Shaun Stocker laps Chester Racecourse as part of his inspiring Stocker's Strides challenge

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David Cameron praised Shaun for his bravery overcoming his injuries.

He said: “Shaun is an incredible young man who has set himself a remarkable challenge in order to give back to a charity which has given him so much.

“Not only are his achievements raising money for Blind Veterans UK, he is also inspiring others to see that it is possible to live a full and rewarding life after being injured.

“I wish him every success as he strides towards the finish line, he is a Point of Light.”

Dream come true

In spite of also losing his testicles in the bomb blast, Shaun’s dream came true last Christmas Day when his then girlfriend Persia gave birth to their ‘brilliant’ baby son Theo.

The couple, who were married last weekend, were able to start a family thanks to a revolutionary technique called sperm salvage and a subsequent course of IVF.

Shaun practising for his walk around Chester Zoo with his son Theo Stocker

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas added: “Shaun has given so much to this country through both his military service and charity work.

“After being injured in the line of duty, he has dedicated his life to making sure others get the same level of support he did.

“His work is truly inspirational and I’m delighted that he is being recognised by the Prime Minister with this Point of Light award.”

Shaun has not yet finished his charity walks.

He will be completing part of the charity's 100km walk from Brighton to London on Monday, July 4 and will finish his own 100km on Saturday, July 16, walking from Prestatyn to Llandudno.

With 38km to go, there is still time to donate to his chosen charity Blind Veterans.

Find Shaun's Just Giving page here.