A veteran who lost a leg after being caught in an IED blast in Iraq has rubbed shoulders with royalty after being invited to Buckingham Palace.

Lionel O’Connor, 33, and partner Layla Leach, 32, were invited to a Royal Garden Party to celebrate charity Mission Motorsport.

The couple, who live in Braintree with their four children, have spent the past five years as dedicated supporters of the charity, organising countless fundraisers and running monthly stunt driving sessions for injured veterans.

Ms Leach said: “It was nice to be recognised for what we have done.

“Lionel’s recovery process is long and hard and volunteering for Mission Motorsport is a big part of it.

“Back in 2013 when we first met them it was a lifeline for him and us as his family, and it still is.

“The charity is like our family and are always here for us no matter what time of day.”

Whilst serving in the Middle East as a member of the Royal Anglian Regiment, the vehicle Mr O’Connor was in drove over an IED.

He lost his left leg above the knee. Two of his friends were also killed in the incident.

Ms Leach said: “The mental strain was the big thing for him. He also had to come to terms with the fact he would not be able to kick a football with his kids or even get up to go to the toilet.”

Since joining Mission Motorsport, the couple’s lives have changed, and Mr O’Connor was one of 300 people to be honoured with a special award from Help for Heroes in 2016.

Ms Leach said: “Doing this is his therapy - knowing he is helping other people.

“He knows what a difference he can make by doing it.

“We just want to say thank you to everyone, our family, friends and the charities who have helped and supported us. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”