AN injured soldier is gearing up to take part in the gruelling Dakar Rally.

Corporal Tom Neathway, of Crowle, near Worcester, is part of the Race2Recovery team which will take part in the legendary event when it starts on January 5.

The group, which predominantly consists of injured soldiers, is aiming to become the first disabled team to complete the 9,000 km route from Peru through Argentina before finishing in Chile.

The 28-year-old, who is the team’s navigator, lost both legs and his left arm in a booby trap explosion while serving in Afghanistan with the Parachute Regiment.

“It’s great to come together as a team to celebrate the fact that, in only 18 months, we have established a highly capable rally team and we’re set to race in our ultimate goal – the 2013 Dakar Rally.

“We really believe in our motto – beyond injury, achieving the extraordinary – and I really feel that Race2Recovery can show people that, despite facing adversity, illness or injury, it’s still possible to do great things.

“The whole focus of our Race2Recovery project has been about the team’s abilities, rather than disabilities, and I hope that this is a message we can communicate to people who may find themselves in similar situations.”

The team, which is taking part in last-minute desert training in Morocco, is competing to inspire those who are injured, disabled or facing adversity.

Crew members joining Corp Neathway include injured servicemen, former soldiers, sailors and airmen, and those who have generously given their time.

For more information, go to race2recovery.com.