Rod and Penny attended the seventh annual Military Awards hosted by The Sun, at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich yesterday and met Doncaster war hero Ben Parkinson – who lost both his legs in Afghanistan – and joked with Rod by asking to try on his shoes.
Ben’s mum Diane Dernie told The Sun: “Ben went up to Rod and asked ‘Can I try your shoes on?’
“Rod was happy to oblige, that’s the magic of the Millies.”
Rod handed over his snazzy red shoes to Ben who was pictured trying them on.
Lance Bombardier Ben, 30, the most seriously wounded soldier to survive the conflict, was also praised by Homeland actor Damian Lewis who told him, as well as two other seriously injured soldiers, Ricky Fergusson and Josh Boggi: “You guys are amazing. You’re the heroes.”
Ben mixed with a host of celebrities at the bash including football legend David Beckham, X-Factor music mogul Simon Cowell, singers Katherine Jenkins and Myleene Klass, Hollywood star Liam Neeson, actresses Emelia Fox and Dame Maggie Smith, TV host Amanda Holden, Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson and Ashley Roberts.
Prince Charles and Camilla were also present, along with Prime Minister David Cameron.
The event will be broadcast on ITV on 18th December at 8.30pm