Blast victim braves wounds to attend comrade's funeral

Published on Wednesday 23 September 2009 21:55

A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND soldier who was severely injured in Afghanistan was among hundreds of mourners who paid their respects to a fallen comrade yesterday.

Still wearing bandages and with medical equipment resting on his lap, Fusilier Thomas James overcame his injuries to join the family and friends of Shaun Bush in honouring his memory at Coventry Cathedral.

Fusilier Bush died in hospital ten days after two explosions in Helmand province in August in which Fusilier James was injured and another soldier killed.

Described by his regimental colonel as "the bravest of the brave" for his efforts to save a mortally wounded colleague, Fusilier Bush was injured while attempting to rescue his platoon sergeant during a foot patrol.

His family and girlfriend were among dozens of non-service personnel who donned the hackle of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers for the hour-long funeral.

Paying tribute to the serviceman, the Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Rev Dr Christopher Cocksworth, described him as a dedicated soldier "full of humour, love and goodness".

The Bishop told the service that Fusilier Bush – a much-loved son, brother and nephew – had suffered his injuries in a great act of bravery. "I stand before you as a British subject, thankful for his readiness to risk his life for a safer, better world," the bishop said.

Tributes were also paid to Fusilier Bush by his girlfriend's father and one of his aunts, who said his family would never be the same again without him.

Fusilier Bush, from Coventry, died at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Birmingham on 25 August.