In October 1981, my life changed forever when I was caught in the devastating aftermath of a PIRA nail bomb attack on the Irish Guards in London. That day not only left me with life-changing injuries but it ultimately ended my career. The pain I've endured since then is a constant companion, punctuated by numerous hospital operations and outpatient visits.

However, my story is one of many. Countless military personnel have suffered horrific injuries akin to mine, finding themselves victims of acts of war or terrorism, despite not being on deployment at the time. These brave men and women have paid a heavy price, both physically and emotionally, yet their sacrifices often go unnoticed and unrecognised.

There is an urgent need to acknowledge these individuals with the formal recognition they deserve. A medallic award for military personnel who have been injured by acts of war or terrorism while not on deployment would provide this crucial acknowledgment. Importantly, this recognition doesn't diminish the sacrifices made by personnel deployed on missions but rather seeks to bring parity to the honors bestowed upon all those who have suffered as a result of their service.

This call for recognition is not just about medals; it is about validation and respect. It is about ensuring that every service member who has suffered is recognised for their courage and sacrifice. By awarding a medal to these service members, we affirm their invaluable contributions and the profound impacts their service has had on their lives.

I urge everyone who values the sacrifices of our service personnel to support this initiative. Let us join together in advocating for formal recognition of these brave souls and ensure their stories and sacrifices are rightfully acknowledged. Please sign this petition to support our cause and help secure the honor they sorely deserve.