A SOLDIER from Worcester is among a group of UK troops who lost limbs fighting in Afghanistan who are hoping to make history as the first disabled team to compete in the gruelling Dakar Rally.

They will also be the first all-British entry in the dangerous off-road race when they take part in 2013.

Corporal Tom Neathway, aged 27, from Worcester, will be joined by Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson, 26, and Sergeant Gavin Harvey, 29, who all lost both their legs to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Helmand Province.

Cpl Neathway, of 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment – a former Bishop Perowne High School and St Barnabas Primary School pupil – will be the co-driver of one of the two race cars.

He said: “I’ve always known about the Dakar Rally but I never imagined myself to be able to take part in it.

“For the guys getting injured now, this will show them what they can do.

"When you get injured it’s not the end of your life, it’s just a different route.”

Cpl Neathway, currently based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, was serving in Kajaki in northern Helmand when he lost both legs and an arm to an IED in July 2008.

The Dakar Rally attempt has been put together by charity Project Mobility 4x4, which was set up a year ago to help give injured troops back their independence through off-road vehicles.

The team will drive two specially adapted QT Wildcat off-road race cars.

They now have two years to prepare the vehicles and get the necessary rallying experience to qualify for the Motor Sport Association licences they need to take part in the 2013 Dakar Rally.

The main car will be driven by Captain Anthony Harris, 29, of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who had one leg amputated below the knee 10 months after he was injured by an IED in the Sangin district of Helmand in May 2009.

The second car will be driven by Dave Marsh, managing director of QT Services, and Cpl Neathway.

The charity has operated on a shoestring so far but needs to raise about £500,000 to compete in the race. Donations can be made through the website at projectmobility4x4.org