Wounded Afghanistan veteran runs for Soldier On in Winnipeg

Master Cpl. Chris Downey's life changed foreverin May 2010 when an improvised explosive device detonated,killing his friend,Petty Officer 2nd Class Craig Blake, and injuring him irreparably.

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Sunday, Downey will be running in Winnipeg'sRCAF Run at the James Richardson International Airport. A part of the proceeds fromthe run fundraiser will go towards supporting Soldier On, a not-for-profit organization that supports Canada's veterans, including Downey.

Soldier On has been invaluable for Downey, he told CBC'sInformation Radio, ithas been the support he has needed since the accident.

"It gives you a safe place to talk about it, cry about it, be mad about it, whatever you want to do. And then because physical fitness is a measurable bench mark, they use that to give you those little steps to move forward, to accomplish something, while you're working on the emotional, the mental side, et cetera, et cetera," Downey said Friday.

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Downey's injuries includedlosing hisright eye,most of his teeth andpart of his jaw, severinghis right ear, twoaneurysms, acollapsedlungandburn wounds.

And yet, in the past year he has committed himself to overcoming the challenges he's facedbyclimbingMount Kilimanjaro, running his first full marathon, andgettingmarried.

The marathon was especially important to Downey, as running a half marathon was the last activity he did with his friend and comrade Blake, before they deployed and Blake was killed.

"I'm doing great, I've had an amazing team behind me since day one," he said, even though he admits that he lives with pain every day.

With the help of Soldier On and his comrades, Downey said his family and friends can see "little pieces of me coming back."

Master Cpl. Chris Downey is taking part in the Royal Canadian Air Force Run that happens this Sunday at the James Richardson International Airport.