A former Royal Marines Commando who lost his right leg following an explosion in Afghanistan joins a Greater Manchester charity as a full-time instructor.

Aaron Moon, 32, who lives in Westhoughton, near Bolton, has taken on the role at Challenge 4 Change in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester.

Challenge 4 Change runs programmes and activities designed to boost self-confidence, self-esteem, team-working, problem-solving and communication skills. Sessions are aimed at groups from schools, colleges, businesses, sports clubs, charities, community organisations and housing associations.

Aaron was driving an armoured tank in Afghanistan when it ran over an improvised explosive device. Aaron sustained serious injuries and eventually had his right leg amputated below the knee.

Aaron said:

I want to use my story to inspire others to show them what they can overcome, and make a positive difference to their lives. I can’t change what’s happened to me, but I can put my experiences to good use here.

Challenge 4 Change helps everyone from under-privileged kids to people with disabilities or those going down a bad path in life, and helps to show them they can achieve anything when they set their minds to it.

Chris Whiteley founder of Challenge 4 Change said:

Aaron is an very inspirational character and totally fits in with the work we are undertaking at Challenge 4 Change.

Aaron will be heading up our alternative education provision, working with young people struggling in mainstream education, setting up early morning ‘bootcamp and functional conditioning’ programmes, enhancing our disability provision and creating off-site activities.

His story is a living example of resilience which we can all learn from. Never once has any of his past been an excuse not to do things. In fact, it is quite the opposite, and we are excited to be part of this journey.

Image credit: Challenge 4 Change