Poppy tattoo marine's moving tribute to his fallen comrades
A former Plymouth-based Royal Marine has had his back tattooed with seven poppies in memory of his fallen comrades.
Rob French, who lives in Weston-super-Mare, served with 42 Commando from 2006 to 2013 when he was medically discharged, having reached the rank of Lance Corporal. He suffers from PTSD from his time in Afghanistan and was helped by the Royal British Legion which runs the Poppy Appeal.
The 35-year-old father-of-two has dedicated a poem, "The Night Before Deployment", to seven other Royal Marines who lost their lives during the conflict between 2008 and 2009.
The seven Royal Marines - symbolised by poppies on Rob's tattoo - are now known by many as "The Magnificent Seven".
Rob came into the ITV West Country studio this week to talk about his experiences. We asked him to read his poem in full for us.
Former Royal Marine Rob French reads 'The Night Before Deployment'