A PARACHUTE instructor from West Oxfordshire helped injured veterans freefall from the highest drop zone in the world – Mount Everest.

Sgt Neil Flanagan from the Parachute Test Team at the Joint Air Delivery Test & Evaluation Unit at RAF Brize Norton, helped four injured veterans take part in two tandem skydives.

The expedition was organised by Pilgrim Bandits Charity in partnership with Parabellum Tactical Training Ltd and is believed to be the first challenge of its kind.

Martyn Compton, formerly of the Household Cavalry, received 75 per cent burns after being injured by a landmine in Afghanistan in 2006.

Dean Bousfield was badly injured in Afghanistan when he was shot in the head by a sniper and was incredibly lucky to survive.

John Chart was a firefighter for 26 years before he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019 and subsequently lost the use of his arms.

Hari Budha Magar was a member of the British Gurkhas, who at the peak of his career in 2010, stepped on a landmine.

Sgt Flanagan said: "It was an honour and a privilege to be part of this expedition with injured veterans, some of which created world records.

"They are a true inspiration to everyone and their achievements should not be underestimated. The trip was an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved, not just the jumpers but the whole team of injured veterans that were part of the journey."