Soldier Christopher John Park, callsign HOUND

My name is Christopher John Park, callsign HOUND. I was born in Yorkshire, England. I served as a paratrooper in the British Army and later in the French Foreign Legion. But I found my true place here in Ukraine.

I arrived at the beginning of the full-scale invasion because I couldn’t just sit at home and watch as Europe was once again being threatened with erasure from the map. As part of the 73rd Naval Center of Special Operations, I fought on the Kinburn Spit, in Kherson, Bakhmut, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia. First as an operator in coastal special operations, later as a machine gunner with the M2 Browning.

I was wounded twice. The first time by shrapnel in my right arm. The second — much more seriously.

On June 9, 2023, during the counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia, I stepped on a mine. It happened near the village of Mala Tokmachka. I was evacuated to Kyiv, where doctors amputated my left foot. Later, I personally requested a revision amputation to be able to receive a high-quality prosthesis and return to an active life.

My first prosthesis was made at Unbroken in Ukraine, and the second with the help of friends in Romania. They work great. But there’s a detail most people don’t know: the prosthesis stays in place thanks to a silicone liner and an outer sleeve (knee sleeve). And when these parts wear out you simply can’t walk.

And I don’t just walk. I run, hike, train with my dog, and live fully. This level of activity wears out the components quickly. Every few months, I need to replace the liner and sleeve — otherwise, I’m literally left without a leg. The number of liners provided by the state isn’t enough for such an active lifestyle.

Right now, I urgently need new ones to stay on my feet at least until the end of summer. That’s why I’m turning to the foundation for help.

After being discharged from the Ukrainian military, I’ve built a happy life with my Ukrainian girlfriend and our dog. I recently received a residence permit in Ukraine and plan to live here for the rest of my life.

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Thanks to the support of caring people, the fundraiser for Christopher has been successfully completed. The necessary knee sleeve for his prosthesis has already been purchased.

This element was critically important for the defender, as it allows him to remain active, walk fully, and not lose his independence in everyday life.

We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the fundraiser. You are part of a large community of people who do not leave wounded warriors to face post-frontline challenges alone.

We also thank Christopher for his service, resilience, and love for Ukraine. Your story is a true example of dedication and humanity.
 

TRANSFERRED: UAH 4,165