A FORMER Bulford soldier who lost both his legs in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq has set his sights on completing a triathlon.

Neil Heritage, 29, who was based at the camp for three years before going out to Iraq, was working for a bomb disposal team in November 2004 when the bomber struck.

He was told he would probably never walk again, and that he was lucky to be alive.

But now he is now hoping to swim 1,500 metres, cycle 40km and run 10km, with the help of a £15,000 set of bionic legs from Ringwood-based prosthetists Dorset Orthopaedic.

And he has nearly reached his target of £4,000 to pay for a special hand-operated bicycle, but is still looking for £650 towards the bike.

If a very generous sponsor came forward, Neil might also be able to get super-advanced ‘C’ legs, which have a computer that measures the way their wearer walks.

Val Woods, clinic manager at Dorset Orthopaedics, said: “We’ve been able to sponsor Neil and fit him with legs to allow him to run in the triathlon.

“It would be fantastic though, if anyone could come forward with the £40,000 for a pair of ‘C’ legs. They would give him more functionality, and enable him to walk upstairs easily, that sort of thing.”

Neil’s personal trainer Mark Hooks of Reboot Dorset Boot Camp, who also used to serve in the Army, said: “Neil’s doing absolutely amazingly.

“He was one of the first people to walk unaided after having legs removed above the knee.

“He’s doing a lot of boxing work with me, which helps with his balance, and we’re just waiting for his legs to arrive and for the hand bike.”

Once Neil, who now lives in Poole, gets his spring legs and hand bike he will start training for the Bournemouth International Triathlon, in which he will compete against able-bodied triathletes, on July 4.

Neil, whose wife Claire was six weeks pregnant with their second child when the attack happened, said: “I’m really excited, as Dorset Orthopaedic is starting on making my legs this week.

“They are using fairly new technology for the legs. It should be good.”

Reboot Dorset’s psychologist, Katie Page said: “I do so hope Journal readers will be able to help Neil get the last bit of money for his bike.

“He’s such a beautiful and amazing man, and an inspiration to all of us.”

To find out more about Reboot Dorset or follow Neil on his journey visit www.rebootdorset.com or call 01202 313667.

To donate money towards Neil’s hand bike or ‘C’ legs, call Miranda Robertson at the Journal on 01722 426508.