Meet soldier who was shot 27 times by Al-Qaeda and survived

Retired US Navy SEAL Mike Day has already proved he is a man of steel.

During his final mission in Iraq in 2007, he somehow survived being shot 27 times by al-Qaeda terrorists at close range.

Mike took 11 bullets in his armour and a further 16 in body parts including his legs, arms, abdomen, buttocks and even his scrotum.

He was also knocked out and hit by shrapnel from a grenade.

Not only did he survive, he managed to shoot dead all four al-Qaeda militants in the battle and walked away from the scene unaided after he regained consciousness.

But despite all this, Mike wants to prove himself once more and is now training to complete an Ironman triathlon to raise money to help wounded servicemen and women.

Speaking of his incredible survival, Mike said his first thoughts were for his wife and daughters back home.

He told CBN News: "Upon entering that doorway, they all just opened up on me. "

"It felt like someone was beating me up with sledge hammers.

"After I figured out I was getting shot, I said ‘god, get me home to my girls’.

"That was my first prayer to God, real prayer.

"And He answered it.

"People who hear my story, they can’t believe it.

"I was there and I can’t believe it."

Decorated veteran Mike, who served as a SEAL for more than 20 years, now wants to make the most of his incredible survival.

"My life's mission now not about me," he wrote.

"Rather, it is to care for and lead my wounded brothers and sisters.

"My fellow warriors deserve the best available treatment for their injuries."

He is taking part in the Ironman event in Florida next month.