Souvenir flag from the 2011 FA Cup Final, collected by Corporal Mark Ward, Mercian Regiment,...

Souvenir flag from the 2011 Football Association Cup Final, collected by Corporal Mark Ward, Mercian Regiment, 2011 Corporal Mark Ward was awarded the Military Cross for demonstrating exemplary gallantry and leadership during counter-insurgency operations in Helmand Province in Afghanistan in 2010. During a number of intense ambushes and fire-fights Ward’s actions helped save lives, regain the initiative and defeat enemy fighters. In 2011 he was invited to present the FA Cup to the winning team after the final at Wembley Stadium on 14 May. Ward was a life-long Manchester City Fan, and in the build up said: ‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beyond any club allegiance I am a true fan of football and to be at Wembley for such a prestigious event as the FA Cup Final, let alone handing over the trophy, is a real privilege’. Manchester City won the game 1-0.