AN inspiring paratrooper who suffered devastating injuries in Afghanistan is getting “life changing” treatment in Poole.

Ben Parkinson has become a national icon since his vehicle was destroyed by a Taliban landmine in 2006.

Both his legs were blown off and he suffered fractures to his skull, cheek, nose, jaw and pelvis. The 26-year-old’s recovery includes visits to Plewman House Dental and Chiropractic Clinic in Broadstone.

He started treatment six months ago under the guidance of his chiropractor Aidan Robinson. “It has totally changed his life,” said his mum Diane, from Doncaster.

“His strength, his posture, his speech – everything. The confidence has given him a new life.”

Ben has been fitted with a sort of plastic gumshield to alter the position of his jaw.

It is designed to ease the pressure on the nerves that ran through his face to the rest of his body.

Ben said that this device – along with a chiropractic approach to other treatment like speech therapy – had made a “massive difference”.

The blast had broken his back in four places and left him with curved spine and a contorted neck.

“He used to eat by bending over and literally shovelling food into his mouth – it was terrible to watch,” said Diane.

She said now he can sit up with a straightened windpipe that helps him swallow and breathe.

His family hopes the Ministry of Defence will provide free chiropractic care for all injured servicemen after looking at his case. Ben is also a patron for the New Forest based armed forces charity The Pilgrim Bandits, which was set up by former special forces soldiers.

He was a guest of honour for their dinner at Christchurch’s Captain’s Club on Friday night and will be going skiing with them in Colorado next month.

Diane said: “It’s his favourite charity. They are so irreverent – they are not into pity.”

Ben said: “Other charities say they can’t take me on because of the head injury.

“The Bandits say ‘Get up that hill now!”

For more information visit pilgrimbandits.com.