A SOLDIER based at Bulford barracks has won the chance to work for the charity of his choice for two months fully paid through a new foundation programme.

Matthew Kieboom, 35, was chosen from more than 1,100 applicants to win his place on the Vodafone Foundation’s 2009 World of Difference UK programme.

The programme gives people the opportunity to work for a charity of their choice and pays it £2,500, of which the winner gets the balance once tax and National Insurance is paid.

Mr Kieboom chose Help for Heroes as his charity and will commence his placement in January as an online fundraiser, helping to co-ordinate individual online sponsors.

“I was ecstatic to find out that I was going to get the chance to continue the work that I have done during my 12 years of service,” he said. “Finally I have become an official part of the Help for Heroes family.”

This is the foundation’s first programme and it is open to anyone over 18 in the UK.

For further information, visit www.vodafone.co.uk/worldofdifference.