A FORMER parachute regiment officer has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at Lunt’s Heath Primary School in Widnes.

Martin Hewitt, who is an alumni of the school on Wedgewood Drive, was hailed as ‘true inspiration’ during the ceremony.

Andrew Williams, head teacher, said: “Martin’s story is a true inspiration to us all and is a reminder of what we are capable of as human beings when we are determined.

“To recover from near death and to achieve what he has since leaving the army takes real character. We are privileged to call him a ‘Lunt’s Heather’.”

Martin was forced to leave the army after he was shot while serving in Afghanistan.

But, due to his resilient and positive mindset, he now leads a team of disabled veterans and athletes on expeditions around the world.

Joining the 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment at the age of 23 in 2004, Martin fulfilled his dream to serve in the Army in military operations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America.

By the age of 26, Martin was a commanding officer leading a unit of 150 soldiers.

In 2006 the battalion was chosen to serve in conflict in Helmand Province.

But during a second tour of duty the following year tragedy struck when Martin’s unit came under attack from enemy fire leaving him severely injured after he was shot with a machine gun.

The injury ended his career in the army as he was permanently paralysed in his right arm. This marked the start of his long road to recovery.

But Martin refused to be beaten and he is now in the record books as part of the first disabled team to reach the Geographic North Pole unsupported. This was the first of his quests with Prince Harry.

In 2012 Martin climbed the highest mountain in North America, Mt McKinley and also entered the record books again as first disabled person to reach the summit of Mt Manaslu in the Himalayas.

You can watch Martin’s latest adventures on Wednesday at 8pm when BBC 1 will broadcast ‘Without Limits’.