Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Help for a hero: Gordon Brown to the rescue as wounded serviceman falls on steps of Downing Street

By Claire Ellicott

Struggle: Prime Minister Gordon Brown helps lift Derek Derenalagi who was at Number Ten to promote a St George's Day rugby match to raise cash

Gordon Brown was quick to lend a helping hand to a disabled soldier who fell on the steps of Downing Street yesterday.

Derek Derenalagi, who lost his legs in Afghanistan, took a tumble as he left Number 10 following a photocall to promote a charity event.

He fell heavily but was helped up by the Prime Minister and former England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio.


Assistance: The Prime Minister rushes to help the Fijian former rugby player - who lost his legs in an Afghan explosion - after he falls outside Number Ten
The 33-year-old private with the 2nd Battalion, Mercian Regiment, was wounded when an improvised explosive device blew up his Land Rover in Helmand Province in 2007.


The Fijian, who joined the Army in 2000, has made such a good recovery with prosthetic legs that he has returned to playing rugby, using a pair of hitech 'blades' to run.

He has joined the Ministry of Defence’s Battle Back scheme and hopes to compete at the London 2012 Paralympics.

He was at Downing Street to promote a rugby match that will raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.

The organisers hope to generate a six-figure sum through a levy of at least £1 on tickets for London Wasps against Bath at Twickenham on April 24.

Private Derenalagi, from Bushey, Hertfordshire, is part of the Ministry of Defence's Battle Back scheme and hopes to compete at the London 2012 Paralympics.

A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on the incident involving the soldier.


Gordon Brown and Lawrence Dallaglio help up Derek Derenalagi on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street


All smiles: Derek Derenalagi, the Prime Minister Lawrence Mr Dellaglio pose for a photo to promote the charity event after the fall



source: dailymail

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