Becks’ get-well soon note gave amputated soldier an ‘incredible morale boost’
August 23rd, 2010 - 11:58 am ICT by ANI
London, Aug 23 (ANI): A teenage soldier whose legs were blown off weeks after meeting David Beckham has said that the footie ace gave him an “incredible morale boost” which is helping him towards a speedy recovery.
Private Ryan Hewitt, 18, said Becks had been in contact to give an “incredible morale boost” after he suffered terrible injuries in Afghanistan.
The pair had met and posed for a photo together during the England footie legend’s visit to the frontline in May.
Soon after, Ryan stepped on an IED while on patrol - losing his legs and a finger as well as fracturing his spine, jaw and eye socket.
And when Beckham came to know about the accident, he sent a message, calling the lad from Burnage, Manchester, “an incredibly brave person”.
“It was an incredible morale boost when Beckham came out,” the Sun quoted Ryan, of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, as saying.
“He spent ages with all the lads. It wasn’t just posing for pictures, he took time with people. Then I got injured and he sent a get-well message - that was another incredible boost,” he added.
His family released a picture of Ryan at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham - where he has impressed doctors with his rapid progress.
Mum Angela, 37, said: “Ryan’s been able to come off the ward, get down to the canteen and even out of the hospital. At first he kept saying how he wasn’t brave because he hadn’t finished his tour. Now he’s starting to go a bit easier on himself.”
“The message from David was amazing. It’s really pushed Ryan on to know so many people are behind him.
“Hopefully he can say thanks in person one day,” she added. (ANI)
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Tags: ace, battalion, brave person, canteen, david beckham, eye socket, frontline, hadn, lad, lads, legs, mercian regiment, posing for pictures, private ryan, queen elizabeth, queen elizabeth hospital, rapid progress, ryan hewitt, soldier, speedy recovery
