A WAR veteran who has completed a number of fundraising challenges was awarded this week. 

Mark Harding, of Wigton, who recently walked from John O' Groats to Lands End traveled to London to receive an award at the Soldiering On Ceremony. 

Whilst serving in Afghanistan, Mark was severely injured and was told he'd never walk again. 

Since then he has regained some of his mobility and has completed a number of challenges for charities that are close to his heart. 

His efforts haven't gone unnoticed and his work was praised at the Soldiering On Awards, which recognises the outstanding achievements of those who have served our country. 

Mark was awarded the Inspiration Award, Soldiering On praised Mark for the resistance he showed in battling through his serious injury to the position that he's in today. 

ABF The Soldier's Charity nominated Mark for the award and recently Mark has also raised money for Scotty's Little Soldiers, a charity that supports bereaved children of parents in the armed forces. 

Mr Harding said: "I got nominated for this award last year because I was doing things for charity. 

"I was happy to get nominated as I always am, but I just put my head down and got on with things and didn't think that I'd win anything. 

"When I got down to London I was told I was a finalist and was excited for how the night would go. 

"There were so many people at the awards that had been nominated for different things I didn't think I stood a chance. 

"When the award came up and they called my name out I was dumbstruck as I didn't really expect it."

When Mark got onto the stage he was greeted by the Veteran's Minister Jonny Mercer. 

Mark was introduced to Jonny earlier this year and it was whilst talking to one another that Mark found out that Jonny was one of the people who helped with Mark's extraction from Afghanistan following his injury. 

The pair have now become well acquainted and are planning to meet up soon.