A FORMER army captain from Cowling – who overcame a life-changing brain injury and now helps other injured ex-service personnel – has won a coveted national award.

Rob Cromey-Hawke has received the individual Working Together accolade in the Soldiering On Awards.

The presentation was made during a ceremony in London by Major General Martin Rutledge.

Mr Cromey-Hawke sustained serious brain and spinal injuries during a second tour of Afghanistan in 2012, when the vehicle he was travelling in drove over an Improvised Explosive Device.

The incident left him with memory and concentration difficulties and chronic pain.

He got involved with Team True Spirit, which helped to boost his confidence and self-esteem, before becoming part of the Invictus Games.

He took part in the Games in 2014.

Mr Cromey-Hawke also competed in last year's Warrior Games, scooping six gold medals.

He was part of a 40-strong British Armed Forces team, supported by Help for Heroes, which took part in the event in Virginia.

His golden haul featured five medals in swimming and one in cycling.

And he helped establish the Headway Forces Support Group – the first group of its kind to offer dedicated backing to service personnel and veterans with brain injuries.

Mr Cromey-Hawke said he was delighted to receive the award.

"I am honoured to be recognised in the Working Together category," he said.

"I could not have achieved all I have since my injuries, and through the establishment of Headway Forces Support Group, without the amazing support of my family, HeadwayUK, Help for Heroes and my current employer, Deloitte.

"I hope we can help and support many more veterans and their families affected by brain injury."

The Working Together category was sponsored by the Forces in Mind Trust, established to help ex-service personnel and their families make a successful transition back to civilian life.

Ray Lock, for the trust, said: "We are delighted to recognise those who, like Rob, have altruistically worked together to help people make the journey from military to civilian life.

"Most service personnel and their families make the transition successfully, but a few need a bit more support.

"Working collaboratively – whether as an individual, team or organisation – is key to making sure those vulnerable to failed transition receive the help they need."