An inspirational veteran who lives in a Surbiton care home has been shortlisted for a national award.

Stephen Vause, 33, was left severely disabled after being injured in a bomb blast in Iraq in 2007.

He has since needed round-the-clock care and in 2015 moved to Surbiton Royal Star and Garter , which provides care to veterans with disabilities or dementia.

But Stephen has not let his injuries stop him from living his life and came to national attention this year with his #do60withsteve fundraising campaign.

The veteran took on the challenge of a virtual cycle from London to Brighton as a way to to raise money for Help for Heroes , a national charity which supports the recovery of wounded soldiers.

During 6 gruelling weeks of cycling using his arms and legs, Stephen raised more than £5,000 for the charity and encouraged others to fundraise with him.

His challenge received support from celebrities including Lord Sugar, Lorraine Kelly and Jeremy Vine, and the final moments of the challenge on 1 February were captured on film by Royal Star & Garter staff and shared by Lorraine Kelly on her ITV breakfast show.

Last month it was announced that Stephen had been nominated for the Inspiration Award at this year's Soldiering On Awards for his achievement.

The award is "to honour person that has overcome significant challenges, injury or disability, and whose ongoing or past outstanding achievements are an inspiration to others within the Armed Forces Community."

The winner is decided by a public vote between 9 and 22 August.

Responding to the news, Stephen said: "I don't know what to say but thanks!

"I hope that the money I raised can help other veterans like me."

Stephen's mother Jessica, who lives in New Malden, said: "I am really proud of Stephen.

"It is typical of him to turn the challenges of living in a care home during the Covid pandemic into a positive which helps him continue to fight his injury while helping and motivating others who may be less fortunate.

"All his family and friends find him totally inspirational."

Royal Star & Garter works closely with Help for Heroes, who also funded a bespoke wheelchair and specialist gym equipment to support Stephen's care.

Joy Jones, Head of Community & Events at Help for Heroes said: "It's fantastic news that Steve's fundraising efforts have been recognised.

"He is an absolute inspiration and we can't thank him enough for supporting us with his epic challenge.

"He shows us all the incredible things you can achieve when you put your mind to it."

Speaking after he finished his London to Brighton fundraiser, Stephen said: "Help for Heroes have helped me a great deal and I wanted to do something for them."

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