Barry soldier injured in Afghanistan (From Barry And District News)

Barry soldier injured in Afghanistan

7:40am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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A BARRY soldier is recovering in a UK hospital after suffering extensive injuries in a landmine explosion in Afghanistan.

Twenty-three-year-old Dale Leach, from Barry Island, has been in intensive care in Birmingham for three weeks, following the incident in June.

Dale – a DMR (Drummer) in the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards – was flown back to Britain on Saturday, June 13 after sustaining his wounds the day before.

His condition is described as critical but stable, and his mother, father and fiancée have been at his side ever since.

A close family member said: “He suffered bad injuries, but he is progressing slowly. We are still unsure of the details.

“All we know is that he was out on patrol, and we believe that it was a landmine.”

Former Barry Island Primary and Barry Comprehensive pupil Dale has served in the Welsh Guards for five years, engaging in tours of duty in Iraq and Bosnia before his posting in Afghanistan.

The family member said: “He’d been out there four weeks when this happened.”

The family are still coming to terms with what has happened and have requested privacy while the situation is still raw and they focus all their energies into supporting Dale. They paid tribute to those who had already offered assistance.

“For the time being, we just want to get him better and see him through this hard, trying time,” the family member said. “It’s going to be a long, slow recovery.

“I want to thank all the family members and friends, and all the Welsh Guards and Army Welfare. He’s had brilliant doctors and surgeons and his colleagues have been really supportive.

“We are trying to arrange a few fundraising events for Help For Heroes, the Welsh Guards and Troop Aid.

“They have all really been good to us and it’s just to give something back.”

The family have already begun planning a fundraiser for the organisations who have helped them at the Barry Island Sports & Social Club on Friday, August 21.

The Reservoir Cats have been confirmed and other local bands and cabaret acts may be added to the bill.

And a raffle and auction, boasting some celebrity items, is scheduled – any further donations would be appreciated.

Anyone who would like to publicise a fundraising event, either specifically for Dale or any of the organisations supporting the family, should email barrynews@gwent-wales.co.uk

Suppport others...

The family, who know how much Dale appreciated receiving his parcels, are also encouraging Barry residents to put together shoeboxes full of everyday goodies, such as chewing gum, squash, toiletries (no aerosols), and biscuits to send to the male and female personnel serving abroad.

Parcels, up to 2kg in weight, can be sent free of charge from all post offices, via the BFPO. For details, visit www.bfpo. mod.uk

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