Hero veteran who was praised by Prince Harry on Car SOS lost his legs aged just ... trends now
The Army veteran praised by Prince Harry during his guest appearance on Car SOS last night is a former rifleman who has gone from having both his legs blown off by an IED aged just 21 to cycling thousands of miles for charity.
Former Lance Corporal Stephan van Niekerk, 36, lost his left leg at the hip, his right leg below the knee, and five fingers when he stepped on an IED in Sangin while on his second tour of the country in 2009.
The father of four was medically discharged, and with the support of his wife, Sadie, and Army rehabilitation has reinvented himself as a motivational speaker for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans charity.
He was nominated to appear on National Geographic show Car SOS by Sadie and his best friend Ian, who wanted to reward him for his bravery and positivity by fulfilling his ambition to become an off-road driving champion with his 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
During yesterday's episode, Stephan had his faulty vehicle repaired by the show's team, before Harry praised him in a video message for his 'selfless' work inspiring young people.
Former Lance Corporal Stephan van Niekerk, 36 - with his wife Sadie - lost both legs in an IED blast in 2009
The 36-year-old - pictured while serving in Afghanistan - is now a motivational speaker
Prince Harry expressed his admiration for Mr van Niekerk's (pictured) resilience and determination and praised the Car S.O.S team for repairing his Jeep
The former soldier, from Taunton in Devon, joined 3rd Battalion, the Rifles, at the age of 21 before being caught in the IED blast seven years later.
Recalling the incident during an interview with the Somerset County Gazette, he said: 'We were taking the fight to the enemy, looking for Taliban, weapons, drugs or bomb-making equipment.
'The patrol was getting ready to return to base and as I walked over to one of the guys I was hit by the device.
“Immediately afterwards I was conscious and was assessing myself. I could see my legs were blown off.
“There was a lot of confusion. I can’t remember feeling any pain but there was bone sticking out of my left leg. The guys got me out of there and before I knew it I was in Camp Bastion.”
Sadie heard the news that same night from one of Stephan's military colleagues.
The former soldier, from Taunton in Devon, joined 3rd Battalion, the Rifles, at the age of 21 before being caught in the IED blast seven years later
He has reinvented himself as a motivational speaker for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans charity
After a gruelling period of
