A former Royal Marine who is cycling 3,000 miles for four charities was helped on his journey, thanks to care he received in Harold Wood last week.

Triple amputee Mark Ormrod, 28, who lost both legs and an arm when he stepped on a landmine in Afghanistan, is hand cycling around the British coast to raise money for military charities.

He started on Saturday in Plymouth but his effort was halted on Monday when screws in his prosthetic arm started coming loose.

On Tuesday, he visited the Long Term Conditions Centre in Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, where staff made repairs and his visit was filmed by a TV crew.

The centre, run by North East London NHS Foundation Trust, can provide emergency treatment for out-of-area patients if their health authority gives them permission.

Alan Mayer, who led the team carrying out the repairs to Mark’s arm, said: “People don’t often cycle hundreds of miles on prosthetic arms, so that’s what caused it.

“He was in here for about 15 minutes, it was actually a straightforward procedure for us.

“We’ve got a young prosthetic team, they’ve been totally gripped by the Paralympics and are just in awe of how people are able to get on with their lives.

“Mark is doing so great, for a great cause, he’s an inspiration.”

Mark, from Plymouth, told staff in front of BBC Devon film crews: “Thank you very much for sorting me out at such short notice so I can get back on the cycle.”

The team also gave advice to the veteran about how to avoid getting blisters during the gruelling route.

The average age of the amputees seen at the centre is 69 years old.

- To follow Mark’s progress visit www.tourdeforces.com.