Prince Harry surprises disabled war veteran during Car S.O.S appearance
Prince Harry surprised a disabled military veteran with a special message during an appearance on the vehicle renovation television show Car S.O.S.
The Duke of Sussex surprised former Lance Corporal Stephan Van Niekerk when he appeared on the programme, calling him "the definition of inspiration".
After the restoration of Mr Van Niekerk's Jeep Grand Cherokee, Harry said in a video message: "Stephan, congratulations. I hope you're sitting in your brand-new Jeep at this point, or certainly what looks like a brand-new Jeep.
"After getting injured at such a young age after two tours of Afghanistan, you are the definition of inspiration because you are not defined by your injury.
"You are defined by your selflessness to others, to your community, and your inspirational talks to young people. And, of course, to your four kids, and your amazing wife Sadie, who no doubt has got you this far.
"So full respect, well done you, and I heard, someone told me, that you're planning to cycle from Canada to Mexico – just a mere 2,745 miles, I think."
The former serviceman, from Taunton in Devon, joined 3rd Battalion the Rifles, at the age of 21, and was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) in 2009 in Sangin, Afghanistan.
He was medically discharged and, with the support of his wife and Army rehabilitation, has reinvented himself as a motivational speaker for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans charity.
Mr Van Niekerk will be cycling from Canada to Mexico to raise money for the charity and other veterans who were injured during active service.
Harry continued by wishing him luck with his upcoming cycle ride, saying: "Good luck with that, I know you're going to smash it. I know you're going to raise a lot of money for Blesma as well.
"Other than that, mate, just a huge congratulations. And thank you, thank you for your service. Thank you for your continued service and commitment to others.
"I'm sure your whole family is incredibly proud of you. I'm proud of you. We're all proud of you. There's a reason you were chosen for this. So yeah, saddle up and enjoy your new wheels," he added.
The episode will air on National Geographic channel on 26 March at 19:00.
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