Hero marine launches poppy appeal

Marine McBean was injured while serving in Afghanistan

A Royal Marine who lost two limbs in Afghanistan has launched Devon's annual poppy appeal at Exeter race course.

Ben McBean, 21, of 40 Commando Taunton, also suffered scarring and nerve and skin damage in a landmine explosion in Helmand Province in February.

He was hailed "the real hero" by Prince Harry who flew back to the UK on the same flight as him earlier in the year.

He said it was a "privilege" to be picked to launch the appeal and raise awareness of it.

Unveiling the British Legion's traditional "Poppy Man" Marine McBean said: "I am not the only guy who has been injured so for me to be picked to unveil Poppy Man is a privilege.

"Hopefully it will make more people aware of the poppy appeal."

Marine McBean was accompanied by David Hart, who was seriously injured in a suicide bombing while serving with the Territorial Army in Afghanistan in 2004.

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