A soldier who lost a leg in Afghanistan could return to the frontline thanks to the expertise of an Epsom military rehabilitation centre.

Lance Corporal Mathew Wilson, 23, who is a member of 2nd Batallion The Rifles, lost his leg and most of his arm in a roadside blast in Helmand last month.

But he wants another crack at the Taliban - and surgeons at Headley Court Military Rehabiliation Centre are giving him the chance.

The soldier, from Hereford, West Midlands, arrived at the world-renowned centre on July 19 to be fitted with a prosthetic leg.

He will spend most of the summer in Epsom before returning home, gaining fitness and hopefully returning to Afghanistan.

It is not the first time that his family has been affected by terrorism - his father was killed by the IRA in Northern Ireland.

His batallion has borne the brunt of British casualties in Afghanistan over the past month which has seen 20 soldiers killed during Operation Panther’s Claw in Helmand.

L Cpl Wilson insists he's one of the lucky ones, and is grateful for the help at Headley Court.

"You have to remain positive and carry on. I know I've had my leg blown off, but there were worse casualties out there," he said.

"The doctors have been fantastic, because I'll be able to walk, I'll still be in the Army and able to patrol. I hope to go back."

Casualties, like L Cpl Wilson, are flown to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, but receive little more than a hospital gown after treatment.

His mother, Linda, has launched a campaign to provide wounded soldiers with fleeces and tracksuits, costing £35 and £50.

A former senior officer has also donated a rocking horse for auction.

If anyone would like to bid, or provide clothing for a wounded soldier, call 01432 845 911.

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