Telford Military Cross soldier speaks of heroics and injury in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban

Dec 12 2010 by Adam Aspinall, Sunday Mercury

HE risked his life time after time to drag wounded soldiers from the devastation of Taliban bombs; he saw his friends blown to pieces by cowardly booby traps.

And Ricky Furgusson didn’t hesitate when his comrades were in danger again.

But even as he raced to the rescue, his luck finally ran out. The 25 year-old Corporal Courage was ripped apart by an improvised explosive device, losing both legs and one of his eyes.

It was January 13, 2010. And last week, after he received the Military Cross from the Queen, he admitted that it was many months before he realised the extent of his injuries.

Ricky spoke to the Sunday Mercury at his home in Telford, Shropshire, and revealed the ongoing battle he faces.

“In a way recovery has been more painful than the explosion,” he said.

“It’s because I can’t remember a thing about that moment. All I can remember is finally coming to in hospital five weeks later. I was so dosed up on drugs I didn’t even realise I had lost my legs.