AN Ipswich man is today celebrating overcoming extreme adversity to become an elite Green Beret commando.Karl Pughe's dream of becoming a Royal Marine Commando looked in doubt when he broke his leg in three places during the demanding training required to join the elite unit.

AN Ipswich man is today celebrating overcoming extreme adversity to become an elite Green Beret commando.

Karl Pughe's dream of becoming a Royal Marine Commando looked in doubt when he broke his leg in three places during the demanding training required to join the elite unit.

But the 24-year-old refused to let his crippling injuries get in his way and - even with metal pins in his leg - he completed 32 weeks of the hardest initial training in the world to become a Royal Navy Green Beret.

The former Thurleston High student passed out at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon with 926 Troop with his proud family looking on.

The Green Beret he now wears is an indication that he has undergone gruelling and physically demanding tests of endurance.

Mr Pughe said: “My original troop passed out June 2006, however I broke my leg in three places and had to undergo extensive rehabilitation.

“I'm proof that if you want it, you can achieve anything.”

Not only did he overcome his own injury but when he resumed training he faced intense emotional pressure after his father, Martyn Pughe, fell off a ladder and was for a while in a coma in hospital.

Mr Pughe's courage in overcoming his injuries and his dedication to achieving his goal led to him being chosen as the recipient for a special dedication award at his passing out ceremony.

The Royal Marines are an elite commando force trained for sea and land activities. Mr Pughe has now joined the Fleet Protection Group, which works in support of the Royal Navy, and is currently based in Scotland.

Mr Pughe's proud mum, Kathy Hall, who lives in Martlesham, said: “We're all extremely proud. He's always been 100per cent focussed.”

Now that he's a Royal Marine Commando Mr Pughe will undergo special jungle training and will even be put through his paces in icy waters off Norway.

Individuals and units of the Royal Marines are currently deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and in support of UN, NATO and British interests elsewhere.

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