The family of a Shropshire army captain seriously injured in an explosion in war-torn Afghanistan today paid tribute to the medics who helped to save his life.

Captain Nick Beighton’s family has also appealed for county people to become blood donors to help troops serving in war zones. His mother Sue Beighton today said her son needed 36 pints of blood to save him from bleeding to death.

Captain Beighton trod on an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol.

The 28-year-old had been in the country only a matter of weeks on his first tour of duty there.

Mrs Beighton, of Radbrook Green, Shrewsbury, said that without the generous amount of blood donors in the UK the Royal Engineer would not have survived.

She said: “He needed that amount of blood just while they were dealing with his injuries and he’s had more since after returning to the UK.

“I am the only blood donor in my family but all of them are going to do it now and they are all drumming up support.”

The family has also paid tribute to medics for the care they gave Captain Beighton, who lost both his legs in the explosion.

Captain Beighton’s sister Fran, of Shrewsbury, said the care her brother receiv- ed from his colleagues and medics in Afghanistan and staff at Selly Oak Hospital had been “amazing”.

She said more people should consider giving blood to help British troops who are serving in war zones.

Captain Beighton, whose job involved creating forwa- rd operating bases and pat- rol bases in Helmand Province, is expected to remain in hospital until December, be- fore he can attend the Arm-y’s Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court.

Mrs Beighton said: “He’s got a very positive outlook. He is very pleased to be be alive and is glad to be back in the UK with his family.

“He’s had so many offers of support and his friends have been sending cards and texts and Facebook messages.”

Mrs Beighton said she had received excellent support from military chiefs who had ensured Captain Beighton was able to see his family as quickly as possible.

She said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped and supported Nick and all this family over the last two weeks.”

Captain Beighton passed out from the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst alongside Prince William in 2006 after completing a gruelling 44-week course.

He was serving with the 28 Engineer regiment based in Hamlyn, Germany, when the incident happened.