Ex-soldier literally climbed a mountain for military award

Former solder Leslie, of Wath, has been nominated for the Outstanding Military Bravery award after being blinded in one eye by shrapnel from an improvised explosive device in 2009.

The dad-of-one served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan during a 13-year military career and has already been awarded a Chief of Joint Operations Commendation and a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

After leaving the forces he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and twice attempted to climb Everest to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

In 2016, he was forced to abandon his attempt just 500 metres from the summit to save the life of Indian climber Sunita Hazra.

And earlier this year was forced to stop his climb due to bad weather.

On being nominated for another award Les said: “I was really surprised and taken aback to find out I’d been nominated — it’s really humbling.”

Les will find out if he has won at an awards ceremony at the Army and Navy Club in London on Tuesday, October 17.