I am Corporal Phillip Taber from 21 Engineer Regiment. I was seriously injured on the 11th of August 2010, whilst serving in Afghanistan. I was medically evacuated to Camp Bastion where I was stabilized and then flown to the Queen Elizabeth hospital Birmingham. Due to the skill of the team at Birmingham, I managed to keep both my legs, but not without a substantial loss of mobility. Over the past three years I have been undergoing intense rehabilitation at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court and undergone further operations, from which I have recovered well.

Last year I climbed Mount Snowdon in aid of the service charities that have given invaluable support throughout my on-going recovery. Whilst undergoing rehabilitation swimming has become my main form of exercise and I have set myself the challenge of swimming a mile in the Great North Swim, taking place on the 16th of June at Lake Windermere.

This year any money raised will be donated to SPIN. I have been inspired by the great service this charity provides. They run a social evening for people with special needs, which include activities such as sports, crafts, drama and life skills.

Although a mile might not sound much it actually equates to 64 lengths of a 25 metre swimming pool, this will be a considerable task for me, as I have sustained gunshot wounds to both legs and will only be using my arms when in the water.

I would like to invite you to kindly show your support if you feel able, you can donate to SPIN by visiting the how to donate page on this website. There are also contacts on there that will be able to help with this.

If you have any queries for me please email me at: mrphillt@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07977441849.

Thank you for your help and support.

Corporal Phillip Taber and family.