A FORMER soldier is tackling a gruelling run to raise money for a young woman who lost her leg in a horrific bike crash.

Inspirational Kerry Walters had her leg amputated after the accident in Brays Lane, Canewdon, and is using a wooden leg made by her grandfather following an horrific accident.

Kerry, 29, went on to make a remarkable recovery, even taking part in races in her wheelchair.

The very basic prosthetic leg provided by the NHS has hampered her quest to lead a normal life, however, so friend Shaun Holmes has decided to run 399 miles from Scotland to London to raise money for a better prosthetic limb and other equipment.

These, along with benefits, have not been available to her on the NHS because she was out of the country for two years prior to her accident.

Shaun, Holmes, 29, from Rayleigh, said: “The Government hasn’t helped Kerry at all, so we are trying to raise money to get a better prosthetic leg for her, so she can enjoy her horseriding and boxing.

“I’m going to be running towards the end of November depending on the weather and I’m hoping to get a friend and physiotherapist to come with me on the run, which will be from Dumfries to London.”

Shaun, a former airborne engineer with 51 Para Squadron, who did a tour of Afghanistan in 2008, left the Army after a car accident in 2010 which led to him having his spleen removed.

Because of his own trauma he can sympathise with Kerry, but says she has been treated badly by her country because she can’t get the same treatment on the NHS as others.

He added: “Kerry’s always been a close pal, so I want to do anything I can to help and support her.”

Karry’s grandad was so determined to help her enjoy her love of horseriding he crafted a wooden leg for her out of a fence post at her stable. Dennis Walters, 74, from Ashingdon has painstakingly carved a foot, calf and working knee joint and added a leather strap.

Kerry, 29, of Alexander Road, Ashingdon, said: “I can’t do a lot with the one the NHS gave me, really. I really love horse riding so my grandad made me a wooden one so I can do that.

“Shaun is running to raise money to get me a blade like the ones the athletes use.”

To support Shaun’s run, visit www.youcaring.com/ other/kerry-nicola-water-sfund/ 197278 By