A VETERAN has taken part in a photographic exhibition to accompany a nationwide study into the physical and mental cost of conflicts around the world since 1991

Help for Heroes and King’s College London (KCL) have released the results of their Counting the Cost study, which found that following conflicts around the world since the 1991 Gulf War up to Afghanistan in 2014, the best available evidence suggests that at least 66,090 service personnel and veterans need some form of health related support currently or in the years to come.

This figure equates to almost 1 in 11 men and women who served as regular soldiers between 1991 and 2014.

Accompanying the Counting the Cost study, Help for Heroes has launched its Rebuilding Lives photographic display, taken by Roger Keller of 10 wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women’s tattoos which when looked at closely reveal their hidden wounds personal battles or hopes for the future.

One of the 10 to be photographed by Mr Keller is Dean Middleton from Seaham, County Durham, from 2nd Parachute Regiment.

In 2010 the vehicle Mr Middleton was travelling in Afghanistan hit an IED and he was thrown clear of the vehicle, sustaining several injuries.

His surgeon’s biggest concern was that his brain was swelling dangerously fast. The surgeons had no choice but to cut away half of his skull and he now has a titanium plate instead.

He said: “My tattoo means what it says – word for word. I had it done before I was injured but, actually, the words mean more to me now. I am proud of my service and sacrifice. At heart, I will always be a Paratrooper.”