THIS column has described Tom Neathway as an inspirational figure on more than one occasion. Today we report on a remarkable decision by Corporal Neathway that shows just why he deserves to be described in such a way. Cpl Neathway, as many of our readers will remember, lost both his legs and an arm last year when a roadside booby trap exploded during his tour of duty with the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan.

The 25-year-old Worcester soldier was five months into a seven-month tour when he was injured.

Now he says he plans to return to Afghanistan next year to complete the remaining two months of his tour of duty. Cpl Neathway says he has “unfinished business out there”.

Nothing really surprises us about Tom Neathway. He has beaten the odds time and again and he simply refuses to allow his injuries to get in the way of what he wants to achieve in life.

As the rest of us moan and whinge about the minor inconveniences of everyday life, Cpl Neathway puts us to shame with his spirit, positive attitude and sheer bloody-minded determination to live life to the full no matter what.

Good luck to him if he achieves his aim of a return to Afghanistan.

It takes a special type of person to want to return to the scene of such trauma.

Cpl Neathway is special. In our eyes he is a truly great Briton.