CUMBRIAN veteran Mark Harding knew someone had helped deliver him from the battlefield of Helmand after he was shot in the neck in Afghanistan.

But he didn’t know the identity of his rescuer until this week when Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer revealed that he had led the medical extraction mission thirteen years earlier.

The two men were reunited on Tuesday, September 12, after Mark Jenkinson MP invited the Mr Harding to a veterans’ reception at 10 Downing Street – and the final piece of the puzzle fell into place.

Paying tribute to the 47-year-old former solider from Wigton, Mr Mercer described him as an “absolute Hero”.

News and Star: Mark Jenkinson and Mark Harding Mark Jenkinson and Mark Harding (Image: Supplied)

The Minister revealed that this was the first time he had met Mr Harding since he co-ordinated his CASEVAC [casualty evacuation] 13 years ago on the ground in Helmand.

He said: “[It was] Genuinely astonishing to see Mark doing so well - almost brought me to tears. What a guy. Fundraiser for military charities now. Extraordinary day all those years ago. Funny how the world goes round.

“Mark was one of three soldiers hit with enemy sniper’s bullets whilst we were fighting together in Nad E Ali 13 years ago.

“I was privileged to award him the PM’s Points of Light Award for his fundraising efforts for his fellow veterans since.”

Mark added: “It was overwhelming, and it shows that though we are from different units, we are all brothers really.”

He served with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment for 16 years, mostly as a sniper with the Reconnaissance platoon.

News and Star: Mark Harding in Helmand Mark Harding in Helmand (Image: Supplied)

In 2010, while leading a routine patrol in 41west in Afghanistan, Mark was shot by a Taliban sniper.

The 7.62 bullet passed through his neck, shattering his C5 C6, leaving him paralysed from the neck down.

Mark was evacuated back to the UK, where the extent of his injuries became clear.

Mark Jenkinson MP, a staunch supporter of veterans, said: “It was an honour to play a small part in getting Mark the recognition he deserves for all his fundraising.

“His determination not to be held back by his injury, and his work to help his fellow veterans not only as an ambassador but as a fundraiser is nothing short of inspirational."