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Soldier mocked over loss of legs | Soldier mocked over loss of legs |
(about 6 hours later) | |
A soldier from Somerset who lost both legs and his right arm while serving in Afghanistan has been subjected to cruel taunts over his injuries. | A soldier from Somerset who lost both legs and his right arm while serving in Afghanistan has been subjected to cruel taunts over his injuries. |
Sapper Matthew Weston, 20, from Taunton, stepped on a bomb while on patrol in Helmand Province on 29 June. | Sapper Matthew Weston, 20, from Taunton, stepped on a bomb while on patrol in Helmand Province on 29 June. |
While he was being treated at Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham his mother took him out shopping where they encountered a group of "boisterous" youths. | While he was being treated at Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham his mother took him out shopping where they encountered a group of "boisterous" youths. |
Rena Weston, 40, said: "They shouted he's lost something... like his legs". | |
Shooting team | Shooting team |
Speaking from the family home Mrs Weston said: "They were laughing at what they thought was a very funny statement to make. | Speaking from the family home Mrs Weston said: "They were laughing at what they thought was a very funny statement to make. |
"We continued around the corner and I put my arms around Matthew and said, 'are you okay love?' | "We continued around the corner and I put my arms around Matthew and said, 'are you okay love?' |
"He just went silent. Then he said, 'I suppose I had better get used to it for the rest of my life.' | "He just went silent. Then he said, 'I suppose I had better get used to it for the rest of my life.' |
"I don't think anyone, no matter what their disability, should be treated like that," said Mrs Weston. | "I don't think anyone, no matter what their disability, should be treated like that," said Mrs Weston. |
Since the incident Sapper Weston has finished his treatment at Selly Oak hospital. | Since the incident Sapper Weston has finished his treatment at Selly Oak hospital. |
"He's determined to stay in the Army," said Mrs Weston. | "He's determined to stay in the Army," said Mrs Weston. |
"He has trialled with the 2012 Paralympics shooting team and he's going to receive coaching and possibly be in the team, which will be a great boost for Matthew. | "He has trialled with the 2012 Paralympics shooting team and he's going to receive coaching and possibly be in the team, which will be a great boost for Matthew. |
"We have got no choice. We have got to get on with it." | "We have got no choice. We have got to get on with it." |
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