Pen Farthing is a former Royal Marines Commando and founder of the Nowzad Dogs charity. 

After being befriended by a dog he rescued from a dog fight and bringing them home, other service people missing their animal companions asked him to help reunite them.

Pen created Nowzad: "To relieve the suffering of animals in Afghanistan; including companion animals, working equines, stray and abandoned dogs and cats and all other animals in need of care and attention, and to provide and maintain rescue, rehabilitation and education facilities for the care and treatment of such animals with no voice but ours." 

Operation Ark was launched with the aim of evacuating Pen's team and the rescues in their care, after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Through his sheer determination, against the odds, Pen was able to return to the UK with over 150 rescues. 

Paul "Pen" Farthing is a national hero: a loyal veteran and ambassador for bravery and compassion. A knighthood would be a fitting recognition of his work.