Shirley Tart: Warrior Prince Harry joins battle to support wounded hero soldiers

Stand up Prince Harry, a voice for the often voiceless.

This week our soldier prince joined a very special Shropshire walk alongside some of the people who are now among his closest friends.

He supports and fights fiercely for the battle-scarred and the valiant. Stands alongside those who overcome the worst to become the very best.

And Walking with the Wounded, the charity he helped start and of which he is patron, is so close to his heart .

That is why Prince Harry walked shoulder to shoulder with six people who had been injured on military service on a section of their 1,000-mile walk round Britain. In Shropshire the team was about half way on the charity's latest epic and they complete the mission on November 2.

Harry's 'leg stretch' was from Church Stretton to Ludlow and once again, he was delighted to be in one of the places he loves best. Helping where he might be needed.

And my goodness, this wonderful charity deserves all the help and support it can get.

I spent a humbling evening when the walkers stopped off at Shrewsbury School this week as they prepared for the royal date.

Some of their stories were both inspirational and amazing.

Royal Marine Scott Ransley, who is 26, is blind in one eye and has IED, or intermittent explosive disorder. Scott is also very funny and very thankful that he is alive. He saw a friend lose both legs, one arm and his life.

He jumped at the chance of a 1,000 mile challenge for the charity.

Alec Robotham, 29, was also a Marine, on duty in Afghanistan who came face to face with a suicide bomber.

Alec, whose arms and legs were significantly damaged was also left with the effects of severe trauma. He says: "The guy blew himself up and my life was only saved by my equipment on my back. Things were difficult for a while, now this charity has given me the challenge I desperately needed."

Meanwhile 30-year-old Matt Fisher of the 3 Rifles Regiment had a leg amputated but has still managed to run a marathon. He says: "I needed a new challenge and when the walk came along, I jumped at it."

Traumatic brain injuries, memory problems and depression were the lot of Stewart Hill, 44, after an attack and he found a return to normal life difficult. But he had fallen in love with painting which really transformed his life.

The only woman in the walking group is former US Marine Kirstie Ennis, now living in Florida and over especially for the challenge. Her injuries in combat included facial trauma, spinal and foot damage.

Finally, Fellow American Andrew Bement of the US Marine Corps and from Maine, completes the heroic walking list.

Andrew had a legacy of anxiety and depression after being injured and says: "As soon as I heard about the walk, I jumped at the opportunity. It has turned into something bigger than myself."

It is no wonder that their patron Prince Harry is so proud of the men and women who have faced the worst things in life.

Missions to North and South Poles have inspired many other challenges – including the present Walk with the Wounded trek through Britain which will end at Buckingham Palace.

Harry, who recently celebrated his 31st birthday, did the 2013 South Pole trek and is absolutely committed to supporting all the charities which help servicemen and women.

He has served his country – including tours in Afghanistan – and served his grandmother with pride.

Harry has the biggest heart when it comes to the welfare of deprived and suffering children in Africa and loves kids everywhere.

He in turn is loved by thousands who turn out to meet him when he is around – in Shropshire or across the globe. And yes, his partying is noted and various romances are scrutinised, but for most of us it's only because we want Harry to be happy. He makes no secret that he so admires the life his brother has and can't wait for children of his own.

This young man who at just 13 walked behind his mother's coffin watched by the eyes of the world, lost so much on that day and has also found himself buffeted over the years by the barbs of critics.

But far more of us think he is a splendid young man who does us proud.

So any time you feel like having a go at our compassionate prince, remember this – to numerous military families, those still serving and especially those who had begun to lose hope, Prince Harry is a gem.

We were delighted to welcome him to Shropshire again, this time to boost a charity he was instrumental in starting.

A Shropshire Hoorah for Harry!