Friends rally round to help injured soldier, 21

Friends and family are rallying round to help a young Midland soldier who lost his legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

Luke Hemming, from Rowley Regis, almost died in Helmand Province on November 9, 2011 and has been undergoing a gruelling rehabilitation process ever since. The 2 Mercian soldier is determined to walk again.

He is currently learning to use prosthetic limbs so he can walk down the aisle when he marries his fiancee Laura Smith.

The former Heathfield Foundation Technology College student is currently spending six weeks at a time at the Headley Court rehabilitation centre in Surrey learning to use his new limbs.

And his loyal friends and relatives have been busy fundraising to ensure his home can be adapted for his needs. A 12-hour sponsored "Sparathon" was held at Priory Park Boxing Club on Saturday, which raised more than £1,500 – adding to a total so far of £13,000.

"I can't remember the explosion because when I got hit it knocked me out," said Luke, aged 21.

"I was dead for about 10 minutes but they managed to resuscitate me. It has taken quite a lot of physiotherapy to get to this point.

"I was in Birmingham for three-and-a-half months where they were just saving my life but as I got stronger and stronger they started physio. The doctors in Camp Bastion, Birmingham and the team at Headley Court have been brilliant. I want to walk again. I just want a normal life, to get married and have a few kids."

Luke said he has received great support from his family as well as the community, which has rallied round to raise money. The Sparathon was attended by about 80 boxers including Black Country undefeated professional prospects Ryan Aston and Tommy Ghent.