25 March 2010 Eastbourne resident Joe Townsend will be awarded the Freedom of Eastbourne at a Ceremony at Eastbourne Town Hall on Monday 29 March at 6.00pm.
Joe was recommended for the honour at a full council meeting in May 2009. The recommendation followed the amazing way he has reacted to his injuries received whilst on active duty for his country, and for the example he has shown in adversity to young people within the Borough of Eastbourne and throughout the Nation.
Councillor Colin Belsey who proposed Joe for the award says, “I was delighted to have the opportunity to move the motion to give Joe the Freedom of the Borough. He is a remarkable young man, who along with many others was willing to give his all for his country, it has cost him severely with the loss of his legs, but, this has not stopped him proudly wearing his uniform and wanting to carry on his military career, Eastbourne is proud of Joe and it is only right that we should honour him in such a way.”
Marine Joe Townsend was serving with 40 Commando Marines in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. After five months on the front line Joe and his patrol were heading back to their camp when he trod on the anti tank mine.
Joe Townsend says of getting the Freedom of Eastbourne, “I feel honoured to be presented with this award. I am only one of many service personnel returning to the UK with similar life changing injuries, but it is nice to see that the hard work and determination we have to muster is recognised. ”
The Ratton school pupil then faced an initial 12 hours of surgery before being flown back to Britain for months of treatment and rehabilitation.
Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Councillor David Tutt says, “Despite the severe injuries Joe sustained serving his country he demonstrates a determination to get on with life in a positive way. He is an inspiration to us all.
Every day members of our armed forces put their lives at risk in conflicts which are not of their choosing; this award recognises not only Joe, but the bravery of all of our troops.”
As well as being awarded the Freedom of Eastbourne Joe has been awarded the Operation Herrick Campaign Medal.
The Freedom of the Borough Ceremony on Monday will also include the launching of the Eastbourne Book of Honour, which is being held to recognise and record the details of Eastbourne Residents who have served their country in a theatre of war since World War II.
