Iraq bomb victim soldier leads charity drive (From York Press)

Iraq bomb victim soldier leads charity drive

4:29pm Wednesday 30th January 2008 in News By Press reporter

AN AMPUTEE soldier and fellow Iraq War veterans have taken part in a marathon row to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund.

Private Chris Herbert, who lost a leg in a roadside bombing in Basra last year, together with fellow soldiers of the 4th Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment, completed an eight-hour charity rowing marathon at York Designer Outlet on Saturday.

Four teams of four soldiers took it in turn to do 20-minute sessions on rowing machines from 10am to 6pm to raise money for the charity which provides financial and practical support to soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.

Donations were also collected in buckets by other soldiers.

Pte Herbert said: "It was a really good, worthwhile event. All the soldiers were cheering each other on and we got a lot of attention from shoppers.

"We don't know yet how much we raised, but everyone was very generous with their donations.

"Some people passing-by even came up to us thanking us for our work in Iraq, which was nice to hear.

"I lost my leg nearly a year ago now and it was nice to do something for the charity that helps soldiers like me in times of need."