Simon, who was left partially sighted after he was shot in Basra in December 2006, became a St Dunstaner last year. The national charity supports blind and seriously visually impaired ex-servicemen and women.

The 29-year-old was serving as a corporal with REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) when he was injured.

He had travelled to Basra to rescue six colleagues whose vehicle had broken down. He was preparing to withdraw from the area when he was hit by sniper fire. A bullet entered his left cheek and emerged from his right cheek, shattering both cheekbones, destroying his left eye and severely damaging his right eye.

Just over a year and a half later, he’s still undergoing treatment but thanks to pioneering surgery, rehabilitation and support from St Dunstan’s, he lives independently in his old home on the Glen Estate.

He said: “St Dunstan’s have been invaluable in helping me regain my independence. It’s a big honour to be asked to lead their part of the service.

“Not only are they supporting me in working towards a qualification in IT, they’ve also helped me with my application to college to gain a certificate of education to teach mechanics.”

Simon has recently become a presenter for the St Dunstan’s in Schools programme, speaking to key stage two and three children.

He added “I thoroughly enjoy going into schools to dispel myths of blindness and explain how St Dunstan’s supports people like me.”

Since July this year Simon has also been teaching for Groundwork Leeds mentoring in subjects like maths and English.