An army veteran from Colchester who lost both legs in a bomb blast in Afghanistan has become an ambassador for an independent road safety charity.
Ash Hall, 27, who has started a new career as a racing driver, will begin his work with IAM RoadSmart with immediate effect.
Mr Hall served in the Royal Engineers for 10 years and while serving in Afghanistan in 2010, he was hit by an improvised explosive device causing serious injuries.
The explosion left him with a shattered pelvis and needing both legs amputated above the knee.
He spent many months receiving treatment in hospital, and at the military rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, and underwent countless operations.
Since then, Mr Hall has become involved with Team BRIT, which is aiming to become the first ever all-disabled team to enter the Le Mans 24-hour race by 2020.
He took part in the team’s rookie day last October and after passing their assessment, he was involved with his first race with Team BRIT at Oulton Park in Cheshire later that month.
Mr Hall’s work with IAM RoadSmart will involve giving feedback to the charity on its courses and products and how they can be made better for disabled customers, visiting local groups for talks, as well as spokesman activity on behalf of the charity.
He will also be taking IAM RoadSmart’s advanced driving course.
Mr Hall said: “I consider myself lucky to have been given such great opportunities since my injuries to prove to people that life with a disability doesn’t have to end.
“I want to be able to inspire others in a similar situation, and I am sure through IAM RoadSmart I will have the chance to do that.”
As well as his racing driving, Mr Hall has continued to take part in sports at the highest level since sustaining his injuries and represented Great Britain in the Invictus Games in Canada in September where he won a silver medal for wheelchair rugby.
He also holds a Guinness world record for the longest distance travelled in 24-hours using a go-kart with hand controls – an incredible 1,888.6 kilometres.
Mike Quinton, IAM RoadSmart chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to have Ash on board – he has overcome massive adversity to become a success.
“He represents a different viewpoint for us and we will really value his advice and input now and in the future.”
Dave Player, Team BRIT chief executive and founder, said: “We were very pleased to be approached by IAM RoadSmart about the possibility of offering Ash an ambassador role.
“We have a shared aim of making driving safe and accessible for disabled people and we look forward to seeing the impact that Ash will have on this important area of work.”
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