Notts Invictus Games double gold medallist runs seven marathons in seven days for servicemen rehab centre

Video: Luke Wigman speaking on Sports Week about raising money for the DNRC

An Invictus Games double gold medallist from Selston ran seven marathons in seven days to help raise money for a rehabilitation centre for ex-servicemen.

Luke Wigman won the gold medal in the 1,500m event at the 2014 and 2016 games in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel compete in a number of events.

He then ran seven marathons in seven days to raise money for The Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre which is due to be completed next year.

Luke himself stepped on an explosive device in Afghanistan but recovered to race some of the toughest races in the world.

He met Prince William to talk about his incredible journey.

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Luke Wigman meets Prince William (Picture: @KensingtonRoyal)

Speaking on Sports Week, he said: “There was an event last week at the Imperial War Museum and he’s the patron of the charity that I’m an ambassador for.

“He gets involved as much as possible and he was there to show his support for the cause for the DNRC.

“It’s open next year and it’s a new rehab centre that’s designed to offer the best support for ex-serviceman and it’s on our doorstep in Loughborough.

“It will help to treat injuries much more severe than mine – people lose limbs and you get double, triple amputees.

“Stanford Hall is going to offer the top level care to help these guys back into work – it’s incredibly effective.”

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Luke Wigman on the World Marathon Challenge 2017

Luke has friends that he uses as examples to highlight the work the hall is doing.

He said: “One of my friends who is also now an ambassador for the DNRC lost his dominant right arm in Iraq.

“18 months later, he was serving in Afghanistan on the front line.

“That’s a credit to, and how successful, our rehab system is.

“The honest truth is as well, I wouldn’t be doing the events I’m doing and winning the medals I have if it wasn’t for the rehab that our country has – it’s the best in the world.”

For more from Luke, watch the November 15 episode of Sports Week on Notts TV at 7.30pm, or see our catch up service.

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