Family Christmas joy for brave Shropshire hero Simon Vaughan
Monday 19th December 2011, 10:59AM GMT.
Christmas will be even more special for a former soldier who will be spending it at home with his family for the first time since he was severely injured in Afghanistan three years ago.
Simon Vaughan, aged 27, of Ercall Heath, near Newport, suffered a serious brain injury when a Land Rover he was travelling in drove over an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province.
His family was told by doctors that his brain injuries were so severe he would remain in a vegetative state for the rest of his life.
But the father-of-one has been making improvements and is having speech therapy to allow him to communicate with his family and friends. And on Christmas Day he will be surrounded by family, including his wife Donna and son Ben, who said they were delighted to have him back at home.
Mrs Vaughan said: “We are delighted that we will be together at home this Christmas – it’s the first time in years.
“He is really looking forward to Christmas. He has enjoyed coming out with me buying presents and writing Christmas cards. Ben had only four or five things on his Christmas list, but said he was just happy to have his dad home for Christmas.
“We have got about 10 for Christmas Day and a further seven in the evening.”
The family moved into their bungalow in Ercall Heath earlier this year thanks to a campaign to raise £100,000 needed to build it. Mr Vaughan suffered a broken jaw, shattered pelvis, collapsed lungs, and broken back in the 2008 explosion.
He requires 24-hour care and is looked after by his wife, while twice a week a helper visits and helps him prepare meals. Mrs Vaughan added:
“He’s been making good progress. His speech is coming along.”
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.simonvaughan.co.uk
See also:
- Wife to create oasis for disabled soldier
- New home for injured Shropshire soldier Simon Vaughan
- Injured Shropshire soldier Simon Vaughan to move into new home
- Welcome home party for injured Shropshire soldier Simon VaughanRead more: http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2011/05/11/welcome-home-party-for-injured-shropshire-soldier-simon-vaughan/#ixzz1gz4PfQfY
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Just Like to wish Simon and his family a really special christmas and new year,plus it great to hear thing are improving. All the very best to you.
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