Bikers ride for fallen soldiers

Bikers have roared off on a Ride of Respect to show appreciation of soldiers' sacrifice in Afghanistan.

Some 10,000 set off in waves of 500 from Hullavington airfield in Wiltshire, UK, to ride through the town of Wootton Bassett, scene of many moving homecomings for service personnel killed in the conflict.

They have paid donations to the charity, Afghan Heroes, to take part in the event.

Laurence Phillips, a spokesman for the charity, said: "This has been organised by the biking fraternity from across the UK, and it is their way of expressing their gratitude to the soldiers, who have given the ultimate, and also to the town.

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Blind soldier climbs Kilimanjaro for charity

A soldier from the West Midlands who was blinded by a Taliban bomb in Afghanistan has spoken of his pride at scaling Africa's highest mountain as part of his battle to raise £8,000 for charity.

Rifleman Paul Jacobs, who was awarded the George Medal for his bravery while serving with 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, said his ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro had left him feeling "as though someone was sitting on my chest".

The 22-year-old, who lives in Stourbridge, West Midlands, has so far raised £2,600 for St Dunstan's, which provides support for blind and visually impaired ex-services personnel.

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