Rifles hero carries Olympic flame (From Salisbury Journal)
If you have a story call our newsdesk on 01722 426511 or email us. To advertise call 01722 426500.
Rifles hero carries Olympic flame
5:20pm Wednesday 13th June 2012 in News By David Falcke
Rifles hero carries Olympic flame
CORPORAL Ricky Fergusson from 4 RIFLES, who was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in Afghanistan, has been honoured by his home town and carried the Olympic Torch for 300 metres along Barratt’s Hill and the High Street in Broseley, near Telford.
Corporal Fergusson was critically injured in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in January 2010, losing both legs, his left eye and fingers on both hands.
Despite his extensive injuries, Cpl Fergusson achieved his goal of walking to receive his Military Cross from Her Majesty the Queen just 11 months later.
“Carrying the Olympic Torch was a real privilege,” said Cpl Fergusson. “To have been selected from thousands of nominees is very special. It was great to carry the torch and friends and family were there to support me. I am just glad I didn’t drop it.”
This summer has been a rather exciting one for Cpl Fergusson. He took part in the spectacular 1,000- boat Queen’s Diamond Jubilee flotilla on the Thames alongside other wounded soldiers on the Shropshire Lad narrow boat, provided by Shropshire charity the Lyneal Trust.
He also attended the Queen’s Garden Party and Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, where he had a front row seat to enjoy some of the country’s top acts who performed.
