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One minute Stephen Vause was a schoolboy at Raynes Park High School in South London, the next he was out in the dusty deserts of Iraq.

He signed up to join the British Army when he was just when I was 18.

"I had a friend who had joined the Army and I wanted to push myself", he says.

"I loved training. I got to see the world. I went to South Africa on a safari on horseback. I also went to Canada.

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"I hadnt travelled much, and now I was seeing the world. It broadened my horizons. And I passed my driving test! It was the best time of my life."

Stephen was excited when he was posted to the warzone of Iraq aged 18 in 2005.

He remembers going out on dangerous patrols near Basra, taking cover when sirens went off indicating that danger was near.

At this point, US and British forces were embroiled in a deadly war of attrition as insurgent forces continually harried them with mortar fire and bomb attacks as they sought to secure the province after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

One particular day, Stephen was told to go on guard at the sanger (fortification) and watch out for insurgents.

Suddenly he saw two men coming towards him.

He radioed back to camp and said indirect fire was coming.

He doesn't remember what happened next. He only know he was caught up in a horrific bomb attack.

His life was saved by an RAF helicopter pilot, Michelle Goodman, and her crew, which included medic Michael Day.

They risked their lives and rescued him despite coming under heavy enemy fire.

By the time he was rescued, Stephen was in a coma.

When he woke up he discovered he had suffered horrific injuries.

"The extent of my injuries became clear when I saw a photograph of the head injuries I had suffered. I cant remember how I reacted," he recalls.

"But my injuries from the attack were so severe that my life was in imminent danger. I went to Putney first, then to Headley Court, and a few other places before coming to Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton."

Now 15 years later, he receives 24-hour specialist care at the home in Surbiton.

He is wheelchair bound and uses a tablet to aid his communication.

Aged 34, his recovery still continues.

"Ive had to relearn the basic things that I used to take for granted, like eating and talking," Stephen says.

"I wasnt able to eat for years, but Im making progress. Ive started shaving myself again. Now I can use a tablet.

"Its given me my voice back. I work hard every single day.

"I have had setbacks. But everyone gets setbacks in life, and its how you bounce back and overcome them."

It's clear his sheer determination has kept him going through the dark times.

"Never Give Up. I have that tattooed on my arm," says Stephen.

"Even when youre at your lowest point, keep going. Keep fighting and things will get better. Im living proof of that. I have no regrets joining the Army. It was the best thing I ever did.

"Everyday Im making improvements. Im recovering. My speech is getting better, I can now shave myself. All these improvements Im making are positives for me. I also appreciate life more."

Stephen's family and friends have also kept him going through the trauma and his still in touch with members of his regiment too.

"Family and friends are very important to me. I talk to them a lot, and when its possible, we see each other," he says.

"I served in the 4th Battalion The Rifles, and recently attended the Just Rifles 10th annual charity dinner and dance."

Stephen is so inspirational he recently won the won the Inspiration category at the 2021 Soldiering On Awards.

He won the accolade following a public vote, on October 28 after taking part in a 60-mile virtual cycling challenge from his room.

He virtually cycled from London to Brighton and raised more than 5,000 for charity, supported by Royal Star & Garter staff.

The Soldiering On Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country.

Stephens Help for Heroes fundraising efforts began on Christmas Eve 2020, and were backed by celebrities including Lord Sugar and Jeremy Vine.

The final moments of his exploits on February 1, were captured on film by Royal Star and Garter staff and shared by Lorraine Kelly on her ITV breakfast show.

His Help for Heroes fundraising is not the first time Stephen has demonstrated kindness and generosity.

In 2018, when his sister raised money for Royal Star & Garter by participating in the Tough Mudder challenge, he supported her by undertaking his own challenges, including lifting weights, sit-ups and hand-eye coordination tasks.

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And he introduced the sport of Boccia to the Surbiton home, which he often plays with other residents.

Other finalists in the Inspiration category were Margo Hetherington MBE, Mark Ormrod MBE and Martin Hewitt.

Speaking about his award, Stephen said: Im stunned. I want to thank everyone who voted for me, but I also want to share this award with the other finalists. They all deserved to win.

Royal Star & Garter works closely with Help for Heroes, who have funded a bespoke wheelchair and specialist gym equipment to support Stephens care.

Carol Betteridge OBE, Head of Clinical & Medical Services at Help for Heroes, said: Huge congratulations to Steve for winning such a highly fought category where all the finalists are absolute inspirations.

"Steve fights every day to manage his physical injuries so his fundraising challenge for us was a major undertaking, and he did it with such determination and humour.

"He shows us all the great things you can achieve when you put your mind to it. He is an absolute hero.

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London Iraq war veteran's heroic 15-year battle to overcome bomb blast injuries - My London