THE Queen has sent a message of support to a group of injured servicemen attempting to climb Mount Everest.
Captain Francis Atkinson, 31, of Swindon, suffered a gunshot wound to his right upper arm while serving as a doctor in Afghanistan last year. It caused significant nerve damage, and as a result his right hand does not function properly.
He, along with four other current and former soldiers who suffered injuries while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, will aim to reach the 8,848m summit in May for the Walking With The Wounded charity.
They are currently five days into a 10-day trek to Everest Base Camp at 5,267m.
The Queen’s letter to the five men reads: “Please accept my heartfelt good wishes to all members of the Walking With The Wounded team attempting to climb Mount Everest in May of this year.
“I am sure that this expedition will prove to be a remarkable experience for all those involved and I wish you every success.”
The message was signed Elizabeth R.
The Queen’s grandson, Prince Harry, is patron of the charity, and last year he joined an expedition for the first four days of a successful trip to the North Pole.
The rest of the team is made up of Captain David Wiseman, Private Jaco van Gass, Captain Martin Hewit and former Private Karl Hinett.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here