Teen Cadets honour inspirational Ranger

The story of a Northern Irish soldier who lost his legs and was blinded in Afghanistan has proved an inspiration to local teenagers, who took to the streets for a charity ‘bed-push’.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Sep 2011, 14:14 BST

Three years ago Royal Irish Ranger Andy Allen was caught by a makeshift bomb detonated remotely by the Taliban. His slow, painful road to recovery was charted in a television documentary in which Andy shared his experiences with millions of viewers.

Earlier this month Andy encouraged Cadets from the Glengormley Detachment of the Armed Cadet Force, together with their Adult Instructors, to raise funds for St Dunstan’s, the charity which provides training and rehabilitation to blind ex-Servicemen and women.

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Ten Cadets, accompanied by three Adult Instructors, stepped out on a 13-mile sponsored bed push between Newtownabbey and Carrick Castle.

“Anyone with a teenager in the family will know that it takes something special to get them moving first thing on a Saturday,” said Lieutenant John Read from Glengormley Army Cadet Force. “It’s perhaps ironic that we’re getting them out of bed to push a bed, but was all for a very good cause.”

Related topics:Afghanistan