BOY SOLDIER CRAIG WOOD - BLOWN UP IN A MAN'S WAR - REVEALS HIS DREAMS
THE terribly-maimed boy soldier whose bravery touched Camilla's heart told last night how he was sent off to war just THREE DAYS after his 18th birthday.
Twelve weeks later fresh- faced Rifleman Craig Wood lost both legs and an arm when a Taliban bomb tore his young dreams to shreds.
Craig, whom you can see below speaking on video, told the News of the World: "I thought it was a nice birthday present when I first went. It was the excitement, the action, the chance of travelling the world."
Craig added: "I knew when I joined up I'd be sent to fight but I didn't worry too much. It was only when I got to Afghanistan that I realised just how bad things were.
"We knew it was going to be a bad tour but I didn't realise just how bad."
Now Craig, who is so young he only needs to shave once a week, has had to put his plans to marry sweetheart Vicky Swales, 16, on hold while he battles his crippling injuries in an Army rehabilitation hospital in Surrey.
It was there that he met the Duchess of Cornwall on a trip to mark the launch of this year's Poppy Day appeal. Camilla told him his determination to recover, return to a job and make Vicky his wife were "inspiring".
Craig's courage has also been praised by Prince Harry, himself a veteran of the Afghan war, who also visited him in hospital.
For despite horrific suffering, Rifleman Wood refuses to admit defeat and he looks to the future with astonishing optimism and supreme courage.
Before joining the army, Craig's weekends were spent WINDSURFING and dreaming of playing the GUITAR like his hero Hank Marvin. He even had a guitar finger plate signed by the musician on his bedroom wall in Doncaster.
"Me and my dad used to play guitar together," he recalled. "One day I know I'll be playing again.
"I used to sit in my brother's bedroom, having a beer and playing on our PS3 Playstation. Now I'll have to find a one-handed controller.
"But I will get new legs and a new hand. In a year or two I'll be walking again. I used to go windsurfing at weekends. And I'd love to be able to go surfing again."
Two years ago, while his friends were hanging around burger bars, Craig was pursuing his dream of fighting for his country. He signed up at 17 and went to the infantry training base at Catterick, North Yorks, for basic training.
Recalling the moment he passed out in November last year, his mum Joyce, 45, said: "He was a strapping lad, 6ft tall and weighing 11st, but he still looked like a schoolboy."
For Craig, however, it was the realisation of a dream - he was a member of 2nd Battalion The Rifles, the Northern Ireland based battle group. "It was a great feeling," he said. "It was all I wanted to do."
When the rest of his battalion flew to the war zone, Craig was left behind because he was too young. He had to wait until last April before he could join his mates. And the very next day he was out on patrol.
"I was scared and shivering because I didn't know what to expect," he said.
"You look at the locals and think they're all out to get you, but obviously not all of them are."
He'd already been out on ten patrols when on July 30, during a "normal" early evening patrol in Helmand province, the wire-detonated IED bomb exploded beside him.
As a firefight raged around him, shattered Craig remained conscious.
"All I remember was the flash and the next thing I was sitting on the ground with my mates running towards me," he recalled.
"I was the only one injured. The nearest soldier to me was about 10ft away but he was okay. Amazingly, there was no pain but I was dazed. I knew I'd been hit but obviously I didn't know how badly.
"As I drifted in and out of consciousness, I kept having some sort of nightmare where my hands and legs had been chopped off."
That nightmare became a reality when, after arriving back at Birmingham's Selly Oak hospital, he realised he'd lost three limbs and his young face had been ripped open by shrapnel.
His bullet-proof breast plate almost certainly saved his life.
Craig spent 10 days in a medically induced coma, unaware that his mother, girlfriend Vicky and dad Paul, 49, were by his bedside.
Recalling the moment when they learned of Craig's injuries while on holiday in East Yorkshire, student Vicky said: "When we got to the hospital, Craig was completely covered up, apart from his eyes.
"The only way you could tell he was alive was from the beeping of the machines he was hooked up to."
Craig battled hallucinations and a serious MRSA infection as he fought for his life.
In all, he spent 11 weeks in Selly Oak hospital before being transferred to the Headley Court rehab unit near Epsom, where he will be fitted with prosthetic limbs and learn to walk again.
But he counts his blessings, as one of only three triple amputees from the Army who have survived such drastic surgery.
Craig recalls it was visits from Princes William and Harry that helped to shape his future. "They came on the same day," he said.
"Harry came and saw me first. He was really nice, really down to earth. I think he understood what I'd been through.
"He's done a tour in Afghanistan himself so he's seen what it's like out there.It's a tough place.
"It was such a boost, he gave me a massive lift. He was chatty and funny. We had a laugh together.
"William was great too. He was really reassuring, he told me the army would look after me.
"They both gave me a lot of confidence. It shows they do care. They were really good lads."
Craig still faces extensive plastic surgery to repair injuries to his face, part of which is now held together by a metal plate - yet it's a miracle he's alive at all.
He was only saved by the skill of battlefield medics and 27 pints of blood that enabled him to be brought back to the UK.
Remarkably, Craig helped to launch the Poppy appeal this week in his home town of Doncaster - alongside Ben Parkinson, another local soldier who almost died when he was blown up by a landmine in 2006.
Once he is fit enough, the wounded warrior hopes to get a desk job with his regiment or even work as a welfare officer with other injured soldiers.
"I know I've lost a lot but I'm determined to get on with things and have a good future," said the lad who will never surrender.
* CRAIG'S parents have set up a fund to help pay for his recovery. Cheques can be made payable to Craig Wood, c/o PO Box 17, 19 St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 1SJ.
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This article has 50 comments
Brilliant bloke, inspirational and I wish you all the look.
As for the rest of us...I want to think that we are all going to be able to look you in the eyes in 10 years time without feeling anything but shame....but...
Our lethargy and weakness in allowing this war to continue is a greater crime than what started all this.
What were we thinking?! Afghanistan?! a country that has fought a war for 100's of years?! why have we wasted our youth over there?
My opinion is that this is a war for the SAS to fight, behind closed doors and with absolute brutality. Send our Warriors to fight the devil.
By Paul Browne. Posted November 13 2009 at 7:02 PM.
Craig,
I had the privilege of meeting you and Alex yesterday by the Cathedral in Ypres after the Menin Gate Ceremony. Your courage, fortitude and dignity was inspirational and I wish you and all your colleagues at Headley Court a speedy recovery. You are a remarkable young man, and your positive attitude is an example to us all. I wish you and your family all the best for the future. With kind regards, Jim Hollins
By Jim Hollins. Posted November 12 2009 at 5:43 PM.
Craig, i had the privalage and honour of parading with you and Alex in Ypres, you are an inspiration to us all, and i know you have certainly changed my outlook on things. You are a remarkable young man, and so positive with it. I wish you all the luck and all the best for the future, and to your family.
By Mark Aveling. Posted November 12 2009 at 11:50 AM.
hey craig, i saw you at the menin gate ceremony, and wanted to come over and shake your hand, but too many people! i am a kiwi, and remember my nation's war losses every year - our boys and men who never came home, and are still buried so far away from their families. i am so glad you know the value of life, and are determined to get the most out of your own that you can. get married as soon as you can, have a truck load of kids, and teach them your great values. you have already made a difference to many people, and will continue to do so. all the very best, kia kaha, Ruth.
By ruth. Posted November 11 2009 at 6:09 PM.
john davison, what planet are you on we cant kill them but but its ok for them to kill our lads, they are animals. how would you feel at 18 if you lost both legs and an arm, for gods sake show some respect.the lad is a hero.
By ian roundhill. Posted November 11 2009 at 11:43 AM.
Hi Craig
Im mates with your pal Ashley. Hes been keeping me up to date with your progress and Im so proud to see that your coming through this.
I can see the squaddie humour there no matter what! Take care and civvy salute from me for doing a job that not many would want to do. x Ur an inspiration hun x
By Sheila . Posted October 27 2009 at 10:39 PM.
Craig, we've never met you but thru Jess and Aaron I think ive grown to know a bit about you, your'e a real insperation to all and if it wasnt for brave lads like you in the armed forces past and present then would we be sitting here now?...as for the comments about you 'killing' people and keeping your nose out at least they would know you were there and not a coward hiding away like these that hide away to set their devices off. Will be good to see you and your family on the 28th Nov...all the best
Wendy, Cliff and James
By Wendy Brewin. Posted October 27 2009 at 10:37 PM.
hello fella i dnt know if you will read this, but if you do i just would like to say a little hello...i spent 6 months trainning with you at catrick, you was the most chilled out lad in are room, always on the phone to vicky every nite, but you got the nick name "trigger" because you had 1 of the best shots in the hole training team! you was only 17 craig. i wish you the best in life son and i cant wait to see your pics on facebook as soon as you tie the knot with Vicky lol. i didnt re join the army in the long story maybe 1day i can share it with you, take care " TRIGGER" xxxx
By lee hayes . Posted October 27 2009 at 11:12 PM.
You are one brave young man special thought to you and your family and i am sure u will suceed with the determintaion you have
By belinda. Posted October 27 2009 at 9:43 PM.
i am from afghanistan and its really sad that you see a young man who has so mach dream losing his legs and arms for no reason all am asking why they sent these young man and women in to a danger zone afghanistan is not safe place for an afghan how can it be safe for a poor soldier who have no idea about the danger he or she will face . all i ask from you british people please try your best to bring your troop back home .afghanistan will never get better dot risk your life in there and dont waist your money in to a war which will never ever end.
By mosa osmani. Posted October 27 2009 at 9:31 PM.
Hiyah Craig!
Couldnt Believe It When I Was Told About What Had Happened :( Glad To See You Are On An Amazing Recovery! Be Very Good To See You Surfing Again Like You Did Back In The Days!
x X x
By Jade Everson. Posted October 27 2009 at 2:13 PM.
what a brave brave kid best of luck craig
By b k ward. Posted October 27 2009 at 11:36 AM.
Dear Craig how very very brave you are an inspiration to us all. We are all having problems at this time but you put us all in the real picture. our problems are niniscul. compared to yours. Are you moaning and growing no you are not, you are making the very best of what you have. There is not much to be happy about being British but its you Craig and brave young men like you that put the GREAT back in Britan.As for the future i.m sure you will achieve much, you have the courage and faith to do whatever you set out to do, and the heart of a lion. Your girl friend Vicky looks loving and supportive be happy and may all you expectations come true xxxx
By Jaye. Posted October 27 2009 at 11:07 AM.
Hi Craig,
Bless you, I came to see you a few weeks ago with a limbless organisation, as I said to you then, from experience,
You can achieve anything mate, I met you then and later your parents and girlfriend, I am extremely pleased I met and talked to you all, I would have prefered it to have been under better circumstances but you and I as soldiers both know, sometimes things go pear shaped in big ways. In the photo you are looking so well, keep your chin up, you have a big role to play, my very best wishes to you for your speedy recovery and your great family and girlfriend..
Pat
By Pat Provis. Posted October 26 2009 at 7:31 PM.
Hiya Craig,
Everyone is so pleased at how well you are doing, Im helping Jess out with the Support our Troops day on the 28th November, I cant wait to meet you, plus im looking forward to a good knees up at the night time. We really hope you will be able to make it, your Doncaster Very own VIP, all our love to you Vicky and the rest of your family and friends, thinking of you all.
Love Ellie, Matt, Jack and Shane x x (2 Rifles)
By Ellie Butcher. Posted October 26 2009 at 11:41 AM.
We would love to meet you. My son Lyndon Longhorne had meningitis and lost 3 of his limbs as well as the fingertips on his left hand, he is amazing and can do everything. Please email us or google his name.
By tammy shevels. Posted October 26 2009 at 6:36 AM.
The likes of cheryl cole and jordon make me sick, compared to what these lads go through..they moan about their lifestyle...these guys get on with it and don't complain....i'm glad you're on the mend hun....you do a job for the country..them slappers do a job for the newspapers....
By jane 41. Posted October 26 2009 at 12:16 AM.
hiya craig u hav never met me bt jamie cant wait to get bk so he can come n see you. he speaks so highly of you and he cant believe that it happened to you. you are such a brave person and you will fufill your dreams to the fullest. we are both thinkin of you always.... take care mate.......you are a true hero!!!
xxxxx
By venetia n jamie . Posted October 25 2009 at 11:40 PM.
Dearest Craig,we've never actually met I was there on the day you were brought into intensive care.Sadly my son Chris who is also a member of our forces and was also seriously injured in Afghanistan was in the bed opposite you.I remember feeling so sad and shocked at how desperately poorly you were.I went on to meet and become friends with your family and your beautiful girlfriend Vicky.To see you now and hear your voice is a MIRACLE....Ive sat here and cried,tears of joy for you.You are an ispiration to us all.Keep fighting darling...and be happy.You deserve it!!!I hope I one day get the honour of meeting you in person.All my love Christine xxxx
By Christine Hayles. Posted October 25 2009 at 10:50 PM.
Woody Your A Brave Lad, Glad You Are Getting Better xxxx
By Lauren Cordon . Posted October 25 2009 at 10:04 PM.
Craig, you truly are amazing. I admire you so much for keeping that positive attitude when it would be so easy for you to feel low.I truly hope you know how proud you have made everyone feel. All the best to you, Vicky and your family x
By Paula. Posted October 25 2009 at 8:44 PM.
Hia woody (craig)
Your such a brave Lad and i know that no matter what happens you'll stay strong & i know that oneday you will reach your goal to windsurf again because thats the sort of lad you are, your amazing and im so proud of you, i hope everything is going well at headly court,
i also have so much respect for vicky for been so strong and standing by you all the way.
all my love to you vicky and your family
we will see you soon doncasters hero A true friend always.
love jess,aaron & caitlin
x x x
By Jessica Brewin. Posted October 25 2009 at 8:44 PM.
Craig i wish all the best in your rehabilation at headley court you will be treated with the best available and ill pray you will get to do some kind of work with the army when the time comes , a real hero good luck mate and to your family.
By Robert grant. Posted October 25 2009 at 8:14 PM.
Deat Craig, what a brilliant young man you are, i am sure your parents must be proud of you, i feel humbled to see your situation what brave lad , godbless you and your family.
This war is just hopeless, our politicians have a lot to answer for.
By annie. Posted October 25 2009 at 5:13 PM.
Craig
You are a real hero. I've 2 sons who have served in Afghanistan and back home safely. I pray every day to god to bring all the soldiers back home safely to their families. Don't give up hope as I know you will try your hardest to overcome this obstacle. All the people in this country will salute to you and to all the British Troops in Afghanistan. Take care and the very best to you and your family.
By CC. Posted October 25 2009 at 4:01 PM.
I grew up in a military family. While I don't always agree with government decisions about Iraq and Afganistan, I fully support the decisions of people who choose the military as a career.
Craig is a good example. He served his country. He was wounded, but he's still going strong and he still wants to serve his country!
Craig, you've got a long road to recovery, but you'll get there. Plastic surgery has come a long way, and you'll have your handsome face back before you know it. We have a young man in our community who had similar injuries (lost both legs, managed to keep both arms even though one was very badly injuried). He's still going through treatment, but he is walking. He has a young daughter who is the light of his life. Like you, he's never given up.
Best wishes,
maxima
By maxima. Posted October 25 2009 at 2:36 PM.
I also look young for my age, I feel so proud to be English!! I wish you all the best kid!!
Thanks for all us real brits!!!
By Nathan. Posted October 25 2009 at 2:19 PM.
And he WILL have a good future, his attitude to life will ensure it. An inspiring young man. Yobs, take note.
By Jean. Posted October 25 2009 at 1:45 PM.
What a brave young man you are,.Your family are so proud of you. Any war is sad and whats more sadder is sending soldgers of 18ys of age to war. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
By MARIA. Posted October 25 2009 at 1:12 PM.
Nose was where it should not be.Stay home young man.
By Lions. Posted October 25 2009 at 12:24 PM.
Craig you tipify good old squaddie humour despite adversity when you said you'd just be a version of I-Robot! I salute you mate, keep your chin up :-)
By Stew Bell. Posted October 25 2009 at 12:18 PM.
dear craig, you are inspiration to everyone everywhere .all the very best for the future
By john davison. Posted October 25 2009 at 12:00 PM.
How many "enemies" did this lad kill?
By goodorigins. Posted October 25 2009 at 11:07 AM.
What a brave man . I hope you get better soon .
What a sheer waste though.Why are we throwing young men like this into this hell hole to be killed and maimed? LEAVE THEM ALONE TO TEAR THEIR OWN COUNTRY AND PEOPLE TO SHREDS.THEY ARE SAVAGES.
By Liam. Posted October 25 2009 at 11:04 AM.
At least give Craig the respect of calling him a Man.
Thanks for fighting for our country and freedom, I salute you.
By Paul. Posted October 25 2009 at 11:04 AM.
you are an inspiration not just to me but to the whole of the british public, you`ve gone through hell and have dealt with it with dignity and courage, i wish you every success with your rehabilitation and getting on with your life.
By mark allsopp. Posted October 25 2009 at 9:52 AM.
I admire your bravery for one so young, but this story should be held up and used as an example to try and stop any son or daughter who might want to join up.....I for one, would fight tooth and nail to stop my 2 sons ever ending up like this
By Gerry. Posted October 25 2009 at 9:57 AM.
What a great lad.
Seeing this lad and reading his story, makes you feel ashamed when you complain about your own silly ailments. It just puts everything into prospective.
I wish you, your girlfriend and your family all the luck in the world Craig, you are an example to us all.
May God bless you and let you succeed in every you do in your life.x
By Bonnieb. Posted October 25 2009 at 10:08 AM.
craig i salute you i olso say get our lads out of that place and bring them home all the very best to you and your family xx
By jacqui. Posted October 25 2009 at 10:08 AM.
Good luck at Headley Court, my hubby was an RI there working with lads and lasses who were there too. It is an excellent facility and I wish you all the luck in the world. Thank you for everything you have done for your country x
By net. Posted October 25 2009 at 10:07 AM.
You are an inspiration, no moaning just crack on with your life you make me proud to be british! good luck in the future
By David Oakley. Posted October 25 2009 at 9:10 AM.
Get the troops back home, please.
Surely after 8 years, it's obvious this is not a war that can be won on foreign shores - nor is it one we can emotionally, mentally, physically or financially afford.
By Abi2. Posted October 25 2009 at 8:55 AM.
Craig i admire your courage, and i wish you every success in life. I think its a sin to send young boys to fight with no experience.
By jean. Posted October 25 2009 at 8:17 AM.
what an inspiration you are young man - I hope you achieve your dreams - I am sure you will Best of luck to you and to your family.
By shirley. Posted October 25 2009 at 8:16 AM.
You should be proud of yourself, I wish you all the best in the future. I hope you and your family stay strong and support each other.
By katie. Posted October 25 2009 at 3:36 AM.
There's not much that makes me proud to be British at the mo son but with lads like you around who wouldn't be! You're an inspiration kid
By richie. Posted October 25 2009 at 1:44 AM.
What a brave young lad!
Bring tears to your eyes reading this!
I wish you all the best and best wishes and regards to your family.
A Brave Soldier we all should be well pround of!
Chriso Manchester
By Chriso. Posted October 25 2009 at 1:19 AM.
Dear Craig- My God bless you and sustain you and your family through this nightmare. My son just got back from serving a one year deployment in Iraq with the US Army. I sweated that year out! Hopefully, our respective governments will come to their senses soon and get the troops home. Good luck, God bless, stay strong!!
By Tom Powers. Posted October 25 2009 at 1:28 AM.
Craig, You are an inspiration to people everywhere. I admire you're positive outlook on life, especially after everything thats happened to you. Next time I complain over the most trivial of things, I should feel ashamed at myself! All the best to you and your family.
By sharon. Posted October 25 2009 at 12:28 AM.
MY SON IM GLAD TOO HERE YOUR SO POSITIVE'
ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD AND NOT BACK , YOU CAN
DO ANYTHING IN LIFE IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TOO
IT, THE GOVERMANT HAS ALOT TOO AWSWER TOO, BLAIR AND THE REST OF THEM.
By DAVE. Posted October 25 2009 at 12:12 AM.