Ben Parkinson: Home for Christmas
December 27, 2007
The injured army lieutenant who sparked compensation claims reform in the UK forces spent Christmas at home.
Ben Parkinson - left with horrific multiple injuries in a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan - was told earlier this year that he was entitled to just £150,000 in compensation under Ministry of Defence (MoD) rules.
The young soldier had lost both legs and the use of one arm - and was left brain damaged by the attack.
Following a public outcry, these rules - which stated that only the three most severe injuries could be claimed for - have been amended, and Ben's claim was boosted to £285,000.
The brave 23-year-old, who is showing remarkable progress in his recovery, was praised by his mother this week.
Speaking to the Daily Mail about her Christmas plans, Diane Parkinson said: "It will be as normal a day as possible with a big turkey lunch, presents and lots of games - that's what Ben likes.
"Because his speech is coming on so well we've got him a mobile phone: we wouldn't have thought that would be possible a few months ago."