Soldier to be made Freeman of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin

Corporal Ricky Furgusson lost both his legs, his left eye and fingers from both hands in the blast and has since been awarded the Military Cross by the Queen for his bravery.

Ricky will receive the award from the borough mayor at the annual meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council on Thursday.

Council leader Kuldip Sahota said: “Ricky’s incredible bravery and courage both in combat and since his injuries are an inspiration to everyone. He served his Queen and country with distinction in an extremely hostile environment and has paid a devastating personal price for his efforts.

“I hope that with further treatment he will go on to live as normal a life as possible despite his injuries and I am delighted that he will be joining us at the annual meeting to accept the award of Freeman of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin.”

Ricky was born in Wolverhampton and moved to Telford when he was three. His family settled in Stirchley and he has lived there ever since.

He was a pupil at the former Three Oaks Primary and later the Lord Silkin Secondary School.

He joined the 2nd Battalion Royal Green Jackets straight from school at the age of 16. This became the 4th Battalion The Rifles and Ricky worked his way up the ranks to corporal.

It was on his first tour of Afghanistan in 2009 that Ricky went to the aid of his comrades on four separate occasions. But in January 2010 he was struck by an improvised explosive device.

His extensive injuries resulted in a long stay at Selly Oak Hospital and he has undergone 18 operations to treat his injuries.

He continues to travel to Headley Court Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey as part of his ongoing recovery.