Relieved mum hopes to have injured soldier Ryan Rowbottom back home soon

INJURED soldier Ryan Rowbottom is hoping to be back home soon.

The 21-year-old, who suffered serious leg injuries in a bomb blast in Afghanistan earlier this month, is "absolutely buzzing", according to his relieved mum Jenny.

She said: "You wouldn't believe the difference in a week. What they can do is unbelievable."

As reported, Ryan, who grew up in Holton-le-Clay but recently moved to Cleethorpes with his partner Fay Ellison, suffered severe shrapnel injuries to his left leg in the blast, which killed his commanding officer and injured another of his colleagues.

BLINDS & CURTAINS MADE 2 MEASURE WE COVER SCUNTHORPE & GRIMSBY...

Grimsby Sunblinds

View details

Print voucher

Have a look at our website and view our fantastic new blinds! then you could book a free home visit were we show you more samples and help you choose your new blinds.www.grimsby-sunblinds.co.uk

Contact: 01472 809887

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

He has had reconstructive surgery, having lost a lot of muscle and tissue.

The former Cordeaux pupil also suffered shrapnel injuries to his right leg and left hand.

He underwent surgery at Camp Bastion, in Afghanistan, to remove the shrapnel from his hand and muscle and tissue from his leg before being flown to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where he remains.

But today, Jenny, of Holton-le-Clay, told the Telegraph: "He's absolutely buzzing.

"The skin graft has taken on his leg, and he shouldn't need any more surgery now, unless there are any complications.

"He will need to have rehab at Headley Court but is hoping to be home in a week or so for a bit of R and R before he goes.

"We are just so relieved. You just dread the call, you never expect it, but then when you get it, it's just unreal. We didn't know what to expect when we walked into the hospital, but he is doing a lot better than we expected.

"It's his birthday next month, and he would have been in Afghanistan for it, but we are hoping he will be home now, and he wants a big barbecue – despite the weather."

Jenny, his dad Nigel, partner Fay and paratrooper brother Reece, 17, have been at his bedside since he was flown back to the UK last Monday, following the incident on Friday, September 14.

His mum added: "There have been so many people asking after him. We've had endless phone calls and messages on Facebook. We just want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support."