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RESEARCH
Although the Foundation has been operating since 2011, following extensive prior active scientific research and trials from group companies supporting the Foundation, our first collaboration was working with the University of Toronto to create the Centre for the Resilience of Critical Infrastructure CRCI as detailed under Goodson Jones Research Limited section of the website. Those pages show the significant achievements and progress made as a result of The Explora Foundation’s generous donation that helped to create the CRCI and this encompasses, research, field tests, and the arrangement of internships to support career development.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Foundation will describe those scholarship candidates and others who have been supported by the Scholarship Fund and the Foundation.
CAPTAIN DAVID HENSON MBE, ROYAL ENGINEERS
Dave Henson joined the Army in 2008, initially with another squadron of the Royal Engineers. He then volunteered to be a Royal Engineer Search Adviser (RESA) when the demand for them increased. During his tour in Afghanistan he was severely wounded resulting in the loss of both of his legs.
THE INITIAL STEPS
The Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, is headed by Professor Anthony Bull and they responded very quickly to the enquiry from the ESF for potential collaboration. Imperial recommended Dave as a potential scholarship candidate and the ESF Board gave their unanimous support. Dave was supported by two other charities, Walking With the Wounded and the Army Benevolent Fund (The Soldiers Charity), but the ESF is the major contributor to his support.
MSc COURSE UNDERTAKEN BY DAVE
Dave’s MSc course was in Biomedical Engineering where he conducted research into the development of more advanced prostheses with an aim to allow the amputees to take part in more dynamic sports such as basketball and tennis. Dave’s course was completed to take into account his Invictus Games activity, residing at Imperial during the week and returning home to Southampton when the course permitted.
DAVE AWARDED AN MBE
Dave Henson was made an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
EVENING STANDARD
Dave was mentioned in an article on Business in The Community as an example of what can be done and this aligns with the aims of the Explora Foundation and the Explora Scholarship Fund, where we aim to help members of the Armed Forces and their dependants, where the serving member has been killed, injured and disabled as result of their Service. The article can be viewed here.
DAVE HENSON MSc PROJECT ON INTERNAL KNEE JOINT FOR AMPUTEES
SUNDAY TIMES
Dave was the centre of an article in the Sunday Times. Dave's MSc project at Imperial College is the design of an internal knee joint which could transform the lives of those amputees who have lost their legs above the knee. Dave's support from the Explora Scholarship Fund and the ideal course at Imperial College shows that targeted support of those members of the Armed Forces who have been severely injured can continue to develop their skills for the benefit of their recovery and, in this case, a huge potential step forward for other amputees. The photograph of Dave on his running blades was by Peter Tarry who has also kindly agreed that it may be used on our website.
DAVE APPOINTED TEAM CAPTAIN FOR THE BRITISH ARMED FORCES AT THE INVICTUS GAMES
In announcing the British team for the Invictus Games HRH Prince Harry introduced Dave Henson as the Team Captain.
DAVE WINS TWO GOLD MEDALS AT THE INVICTUS GAMES
Dave won his first gold medal in the 200 metres, which he finished in 28 seconds making him the 8th fastest in the world this year for either a double or single amputee. He was also part of the Volleyball Team, who won Gold. Dave also won Gold for the 200 meters at the following Invictus Games in Orlando USA.