Parents tell of their pride as Army care centre named after hero Mark

Published on Tuesday 18 August 2009 09:40

THE parents of paratrooper Corporal Mark Wright, who died in a minefield in Afghanistan, have spoken of their pride at seeing the UK's first Army recovery centre named after their son.

Mark Wright House, which was officially opened yesterday, is a 12-bedroom wing of the Erskine Edinburgh Home in Gilmerton. It has been set up to help wounded soldiers fit back into civilian life after they leave medical rehabilitation.

It was named in honour of Cpl Wright, who died in Helmand province in 2006 when his patrol encountered a minefield, and was posthumously awarded the George Cross in recognition of his courage.

Yesterday, his parents Bob and Jem Wright watched as the centre was opened by one of its first residents, Lance Corporal Robert Reid, who was left blind in one eye after a roadside bomb attack in Iraq last year.

Mr Wright said: "It was quite a proud moment, but it was pretty emotional for both of us – there was a huge big plaque on the wall and seeing that took the wind out of us a bit.

"It's absolutely stunning, a stunning place. Mark was a caring guy so it's fitting that it's a place that's caring for the lads. Up to now there was nothing for them."

Army chief, General Sir Richard Dannatt, also attended the opening of the block, which is a partnership between the army and veterans' charities Erskine and Help for Heroes. It will act as a model for other centres to be set up around the country, offering private rooms with access to a gym, career advice and counselling.

The Wrights are, meanwhile, working on their own rehabilitation scheme, called The Mark Wright Project.

In November they plan to open a day centre in their home town of Dalkeith, where ex-servicemen and women can receive therapy, use a gym and social area.

Mr Wright said he hoped it would provide a useful resource for those staying at Mark Wright House and those recovering at home. "Hopefully we can work hand-in-hand with Erskine," he said.

The project received a funding boost on Sunday when around 5,000 was raised at an auction of 35 champion racing pigeons – including one donated by the Queen.

The bird from the Royal Loft at Sandringham raised 400 at the auction at Newbridge Bowling Club.

Organiser, pigeon fancier Frank Baillie, said he wanted to support The Mark Wright Project because his own two sons had served in Afghanistan, one of them narrowly escaping injury on several occasions.

He said: "I'd already bought a Royal pigeon at an auction before, and I thought it would be a great thing for the Queen to help. I contacted the loft manager, and went down to Sandringham to pick it up.

"Pigeon men give hundreds and thousands of pounds to charity every year, and during the First and Second World Wars, carrier pigeons saved many lives – they were the ones that were sent for help, so there's a history of pigeons helping the forces."