'Powerful story' of triple amputee shared at RAF Brize Norton event day
Mark Ormrod MBE, a veteran who lost both legs and an arm while serving as a Royal Marine in 2007 and who is now an athlete, author and motivational speaker, spoke at the Carterton base's Resilience Day hosted by the Tactical Medical Wing.
His "powerful story of resilience" resonated with the team and encouraged reflection and conversation on how personnel can better support themselves and each other.
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Mr Ormrod said: "Today was not only a huge honour for me but it was also a bit of a full circle moment.
"17 years after having my life saved in Afghanistan by the Medical Emergency Response Team I had the privilege of sharing my story with them.
Mark Ormrod and Group Captain Charlotte Thompson at the resilience day event, RAF Brize Norton (Image: RAF Brize Norton / Paul Crouch) "What made it extra special was that one of the medics primarily responsible for saving my life Group Captain Charlie Thompson was able to be there to tell part of the story from her perspective.
"The Veteran owned company I'm part of also got to delivery a resilience workshop to the team with many of the lesson born from the experiences and lessons we learned from leading and operating in combat."
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The day also included a human performance workshop and concluded with a physically demanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu session, lead by RAF Brize Norton coaches, pushing participants outside their comfort zones.
This offered the team both a physical challenge and "a valuable opportunity for stress release, camaraderie, and laughter" according to the air base.
Group Captain Charlotte Thompson ARRC KHN, AH Med Pers and training and director of nursing services said: "I commend the Tactical Medical Wing for recognising the importance of resilience training within their squadron.
"In the context of ongoing conflict in Europe and the immense pressure on medical services, equipping personnel with effective coping strategies, and the ability to recognise signs of stress in others, is absolutely essential.
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"It was a pleasure to reconnect with Mark Ormrod today, a former patient of mine from Operation Herrick.
Mark Ormrod and Group Captain Charlotte Thompson sharing their story at the event (Image: RAF Brize Norton / Paul Crouch) "Despite the life-changing injuries he sustained, his inspirational talk offered powerful insights into resilience and mental strength.
"I also applaud RAF Brize Norton for supporting this vital training, which should be made available to all personnel."
Resilience lead for the Operations Squadron, Sergeant Danielle Thorpe-Gray, EM Nurse added: "One of my key priorities has been to create development opportunities that invest in the wellbeing of our personnel.
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"Our aim is to equip our highly skilled clinicians with practical mental and physical tools to help them thrive in high-pressure environments, while also strengthening team cohesion.
"Yesterday's Resilience Day was a reflection of that commitment. We were honoured to be joined by Mark Ormrod, whose powerful story of resilience deeply resonated with the team."
RAF Brize Norton regularly hosts this kind of initiative to maintain the wellbeing and operational readiness of teams.
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