Gosport-based Simon Harmer suffered life-threatening wounds when he triggered an improvised bomb on a foot patrol in Helmand Province.

Medics doubted that the 33-year-old sergeant, who only married his wife Marisa in August, would survive the explosion.

But the Bosnia and Iraq veteran pulled through and is recovering with his family by his side.

Sgt Harmer left Fort Blockhouse in September with colleagues from 33 Field Hospital for a six-month tour of Helmand.

He was working as a combat medical technician with a platoon when he suffered the injuries on Monday, October 26.

An army spokesman said: 'Sgt Harmer was offering medical cover to a patrol when he was severely injured by an improvised explosive device.'

Sgt Harmer was flown to the main field hospital at Camp Bastion – where dozens of his colleagues work – before he was flown back to Britain. On the same plane were two men he had given life-saving treatment to just days before. He was on the critical list when he arrived at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, but within five days friends were amazed to see him gesture a thumbs-up.

Sgt Harmer has gone through several operations following his double amputation, and will be moved to Headley Court's rehabilitation centre in Surrey on December 15.

In the meantime friends and family have posted support messages on a page of the social networking website Facebook – and Sgt Harmer has responded.

He said: 'I would like to thank Neil Goodman and Al Milne for setting up this site. I'm overwhelmed by the support they and all of you have given me and my beautiful wife Marisa.

'I am still the same old Si, just a little shorter and a little lighter.

'Again I can't thank you all enough for the words you have said. Love to you all, Si.' In September The News reported on the soldier from Kings Worthy, near Winchester, as he prepared to leave Gosport for Helmand.

He said at the time: 'I'm apprehensive about going because I want to do a good job, but my main worry is being away from my wife.

'It's tough facing the prospect of possible casualties or losses, but it's our job to pick ourselves up if it happens.

'There aren't many soldiers now who haven't experienced the loss of a friend or someone they know.'


DOZENS OF INTERNET MESSAGES OFFERING LOVE AND SUPPORT

Sgt Harmer's regiment's motto is In Arduis Fidelis – faithful in adversity – and friends have supported him in their hundreds.

Dozens of daily messages have been posted on his dedicated Facebook page, and friends competing in a January triathlon have pledged cash to the forces' charity Help For Heroes.

There was a special mention on Channel 4's Paul O'Grady Show, with guest stars wishing him a speedy recovery.

And Sgt Harmer has been contacted by relatives of servicemen and women fighting in Afghanistan.

Debbie Young said: 'Hi Si, you don't know me nor have I ever met you or your lovely wife, but my sister is currently serving in Afghanistan and like yourself always shows great courage and selfless bravery.

'I hope that your recovery is speedy and that your spirits remain high, but remember that there are many around who will gladly be a shoulder to lean on if ever you need to lighten the load.'

Shona Ferguson said: 'Hi Simon, so pleased you are doing well.

'You are an inspiration and make us mere mortals embarrassed to be whingeing about mundane stuff. Keep smiling, you and Marissa are in my thoughts and prayers every day.'

Alix Hickman, a childhood friend from Kings Worthy, said: 'We are wishing you all the best and hope that you have a quick recovery.

'I've heard Selly Oak is excellent and that you'll be in great hands.

'All the best from yet another old friend from Kings Worthy.'

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