Sunderland veteran who lost his leg in combat remembers friend and highlights vital work of charity

A Sunderland Army veteran who lost his leg after being injured in Afghanistan at just 19 is sharing his story ahead of Armistice Day to help fellow injured veterans receive lifelong support.

Alex Swinhoe, is supporting the Remembrance appeal for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans. The charity has been alongside him since his rehabilitation, helping him return to activities he enjoys and, more recently, funding a wet-room to make his home more accessible.

For Alex, Remembrance is also deeply personal. His friend Chris died following the same incident that left him with life-changing injuries.

Alex said: “Chris is the first person I think of on Remembrance Day. I want to be strong enough to live a good life for those who don’t have that opportunity.”

Growing up in Sunderland, Alex had always wanted to be a soldier. He joined the Army at 16, with his mum accompanying him to give permission, and was deployed to Afghanistan at 18.

“I’d obviously seen pictures of Afghanistan on the television, but I’d never really been outside of Sunderland other than on holiday before that,” he said.

On 21 December 2009, less than three weeks after his 19th birthday, Alex was severely injured when a USA Apache helicopter mistakenly fired on his patrol base during a Taliban attack.

His colleagues pulled him to safety before he was evacuated. He woke from an induced coma back in England, and his left leg was amputated the following month.

During his rehabilitation, Alex met Blesma’s support team. Alongside practical help, the charity supported opportunities to get out and enjoy life, from attending a boxing event and getting fishing equipment to a white-water rafting trip in Colorado.

“They picked me up from home and drove me all the way to Heathrow for that – that support helped me a lot at the time,” he said.

That relationship has continued as Alex’s needs have changed. When his Blesma Support Officer, Christine, asked what would help at home, he explained that he needed a wet-room.

“The wet-room is so helpful. Until recently, I only had a bathroom upstairs. Now, my ground floor is wheelchair accessible. So in the future, if something happens, I feel that I’m safe and I’m prepared.”

As the 17th anniversary of his injury approaches this December, Alex is asking people to remember both those who died and those living with the lasting effects of service.

He said: “I’m very proud to have served my country, and I look back on my service with fond memories. I had life-changing injuries, but I’m alive to tell my story.”

Blesma provides practical, emotional and financial support to limbless and injured veterans and their families, helping its Members lead independent and fulfilling lives.

To support Blesma’s Remembrance appeal, visit blesma.org/donate.