Dog rehabilitation role for former 
soldier hurt in Afghanistan blast

Lance Corporal James Wilkinson, who served with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, suffered extensive injuries to his legs, abdomen and arms when a roadside bomb went off during a foot patrol in Helmand Province in 2011.

He required intensive physiotherapy – including specialist water therapy – during three years of rehabilitation at the Headley Court centre in Surrey and still has mobility problems caused by extensive shrapnel wounds.

Now, more than 18 months after being retired from service, Mr Wilkinson, 28, and his veterinary nurse partner Rebecca Robinson, 31, have set up their own dog rehabilitation business at their home in Sherburn, North Yorkshire.

Mr Wilkinson said: “Because I have been through it, I have had the personal experience of it, I know how beneficial it can be.

“It is also a vocation I can continue even with my physical limitations.

“I’m excited. It’s a change from the military, it’s a new chapter. You never forget the things you have been through – I have seen some horrendous things – but you just have to shake your head and try to carry on.”

The former soldier, who was born in Pocklington, was a gamekeeper for a number of years before following his brother and sister into the armed forces.

During eight years’ service he took part in three tours in Afghanistan before he was injured on June 16, 2011.

He said: “It was early in the morning and we were on foot patrol. We had to cross two streams up to an area of hard-standing track. I had sent my dog off in front and then all of a sudden there was this almighty explosion. I don’t remember much else until I woke up in hospital a week later.”

The blast left him requiring surgery to reconstruct his abdomen. His upper legs and circulation were badly damaged and he was in an induced coma for a week. He has had his hip replaced and been told that he will need a further replacement in future.

Mr Wilkinson said he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder for a long time after the incident.

But he said he was looking forward to the future after setting up his business, Operation K9, with Miss Robinson.

The business will offer hydrotherapy for injured dogs, along with swimming for healthy dogs and general canine behaviour training.

He said: “Dogs have always been a way of life for me and with the experience that both of us have it’s an ideal way to set us up for the future.”