Army veterans to take part in Worthing 10k for Care For Veterans

Len Gibbon, a 98-year-old World War II veteran of the Normandy Landings and Steve Boylan, a 46-year-old ex-royal engineer, will be taking part in the Worthing 10k today (October 9) to raise money for Care For Veterans.

Mr Boylan served as a warrant officer for over twenty years.

At the age of 39, he was knocked from his motorbike and sustained a severe brain injury, partial paralysis, and speech difficulties.

It is now four years on from his arrival at Care for Veterans, during which time Mr Boylan has made “amazing” improvements, allowing him to enjoy an improved quality of life.

Steve Boylan was left paralysed after he was knocked from his motorbike (Image: Care for Veterans)

By utilising speech and language therapy and attending regular physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions with the team, Mr Boylan has developed his communication and mobility skills.

 “It is going excellently,” he said.

“Every day is a gift… one day, my goal is to walk again. Being here makes that goal possible.”

Mr Gibbon arrived at Care for Veterans in 2019 after a couple of falls, which led to him need extra help on a day-to-day basis.

The Care for Veterans physiotherapists have been working with Mr Gibbon on his ankle strength, overall endurance and his balance.

He is now able to walk safely around with a mobility frame and supervision.

Len Gibbon is a World War II veteran (Image: Care for Veterans)

The pair have already raised over £800, and are feeling “very excited” for the big day on Sunday.

They will be pushed in their wheelchairs at the event, which is expected to see 1,500 take part.

Their chairs are race ready, and the Care For Veterans team have waterproofs and blankets on hand in case of adverse weather.

Care for Veterans has been providing physically disabled ex-service personnel with long-term nursing, respite, and award-winning end-of-life care since 1919.