Mother's Day 2012: War hero Ben Parkinson walks for 1st time to give gift to his doting mum

By Richard Hartley-parkinson

PUBLISHED: 11:06 EST, 17 March 2012 | UPDATED: 13:41 EST, 17 March 2012

These heart-warming images show war hero Ben Parkinson walking outside on his new legs for the first time as he gives his doting mum a bouquet of flowers for Mothers Day.

Inspirational paratrooper Ben, 27, is the most injured British servicemen to survive injuries sustained in Afghanistan after he lost both his limbs and broke his back, hips and ribs when his Land Rover hit a mine in 2006.

But thanks to sheer determination and a great sense of humour, Ben, who spent four months in a coma, has proved doctors wrong with his amazing progress - and his mum revealed he is even starting to get memories of his Army career back, something he thought was lost forever.

Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson, pictured with his mum, Diane, before handing over Mother's Day flowers as he walks outside for the first time

Proud mother Diane Parkinson said: 'Ben is just incredible in the progress he has made, it goes without saying that Im very very proud of him. Mothers Days are very special to me.

'Recent events in particular have only made us realise just how lucky we are to have Ben with us. Every little bit of Ben we get back is something that we shouldnt have. Its just fantastic.'

And asked if he had a special Mothers Day message for his doting mum, witty Ben, of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, quipped: 'Ill have a cup of tea mum.'

Mrs Parkinson also revealed that Ben has had a breakthrough with his treatment - as his memory is coming back. 'This is the one thing that we werent sure Ben would ever get back,' she said.

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Mother's Day 2012: War hero Ben Parkinson walks for 1st time to give gift to his doting mum