Disabled paratrooper stands to receive medal

Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Neathway aged 25; of Worcester a member of 2 Para who lost both legs and an arm fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan achieved his ambition by standing to receive a medal from the Prince of Wales in Essex. L/Cpl Tom Neathway, climbed from his wheelchair to meet Prince Charles during a ceremony at The Parachute Regiment's base in Colchester.
At the ceremony More than 500 paratroopers received Afghanistan campaign medals and the Prince, Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment, told troops how "proud" he is of them
and said he understands their families' pain because his son Prince Harry had fought in the conflict earlier this year.
Troops from the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the regiment saw action in Afghanistan this summer. Thirty-three British troops or troops attached to British forces, died and more than 150 were hurt and 13 of those were Paratroopers.
L/Cpl Tom Neathway said "It was a bit of a milestone for me,”. "One of my goals was to stand to receive the medal, then walk to the chair. It wasn't hard to do but it was hard to be able to do. It's taken me two months of hard work - it probably should have taken longer." He added: "Now I just want to crack on. My next goal will be to get back to work." Tom’s father Alan, was among relatives watching the ceremony. "It was very emotional seeing him stand up," said Mr Neathway. "I was very proud. He's just an amazing kid."
Prince Charles said his son's service gave him an understanding of what soldiers' families went through. He added: "You have no idea how proud I am of all of you. I can only salute you."