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Home | Club News | Private Jack Holmes Strides Positively Forward

As reported in the Halifax Courier last autumn, private Jack Holmes, then 21 years of age, lost both his legs in September 2010, having been seriously injured in a bomb explosion whilst clearing a route ahead of a supply column in Afghanistan.

 He was serving with the 21st Engineering Regiment.

Doctors, after just a few weeks, were at the time amazed at the progress  Jack had made as his determination was a fantastic motivator for a fast recovery and for the adaptation on his new prosthetic legs.

Recently at The Brown Cow Pub at Highroad Well, he has just been given two cheques each of £350 to help during his remaining rehabilitation process. They were presented by Doug Wood, a regular at the pub, and David Nash then president of the Rotary Club of Halifax. Doug and others had, with the cooperation of the landlord Tim Conway, organized a concert  and the proceeds it was felt should go to one of our 'local heroes'. In the previous year, monies raised at their first l concert had gone directly to the charity Help for Heroes. In talking about their intentions, Doug had mentioned this to David Nash, who was keen the Rotary Club of Halifax match the monies raised by the customers of The Brown Cow. Jack gracefully accepted the cheques and said the monies would be put to good use almost immediately.

His dad, David Holmes said. "Jack's rehabilitation continues apace. Not only has he been driving for many months but he swims, plays golf and you should see him move on his 'running blades! '. His mum Paula and I are very proud of our son and are looking forward to seeing Jack and his partner Jaimie married this summer. Not only that but they are  moving into their first own home and are expecting their second child."  Jack and Jaimie already have a two year old daughter Gracie.

Jack explained that his rehabilitation programme will finish very shortly and then an assessment will take place and he will have to take decisions on his future. He said "I am currently considering all my options, These include not only the possibility of remaining in the army but external opportunities such as training for a  new career. I welcome discussions on all the possibilities for myself and my family's future".

All the regulars at the Brown Cow and those Rotarians at the presentation wished the brave young man all the very best for the future.

The photograph shows from the left, Mick Conway ( Tim's dad), Doug Wood, Jack Holmes, David Nash, Tim Conway and David Holmes.