Martyn Compton

Martyn Compton was serving in Afghanistan with D Squadron, The Household Cavalry Regiment, on 1 August 2006, when the armoured vehicle he was driving was hit by both an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and a Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) fired by the Taliban. His three other crewmen were killed during the attack. Martyn Compton was thrown out of his vehicle on fire but crawled 80 yards into cover during which time he was shot in the leg. As a result, he fell into a coma for three months and suffered 3rd degree burns over 70% of his body. Despite requiring multiple operations and the rebuilding of his ears and nose, Martyn Compton was determined to make the most of his life. He has married his fiancée, Michelle, and now has a young son called Archie. He is a proactive fundraiser for servicemen and women injured on operations. For his exceptional courage and bravery, and remarkably positive attitude to life, I nominate Martyn Compton as a London 2012 Torch bearer.