True Blue hero meets his idols
Hero who lost his leg in Iraq meets his Chelsea idols at football match
Idol ... Chris, British soldier Steve and Chelsea and England's Frank Lampard at a Chelsea game and, inset, Steve who joined Army in 2004
By JOHN KAY
May 16, 2007
THE ROYAL TANK REGIMENT
A HERO squaddie who flew the Chelsea flag as he lost his leg in Iraq has met his soccer idols — thanks to The Sun.
Steve Shiner, 23, had his entire left leg amputated after insurgents blew up his Challenger II tank.
He had been displaying the beloved Blues’ flag he always took out on manoeuvres.
Trooper Steve — dubbed Shiny by pals — was evacuated to a Birmingham hospital.
But members of 2 Royal Tank Regiment told the forces’ favourite newspaper how meeting his Stamford Bridge heroes would boost his morale.
And, with the help of Chelsea bosses, we arranged for him to attend Sunday’s game with Everton — where he met number one idol Frank Lampard and other stars.
Steve, of Paddington, West London, was taken on to the pitch in his wheelchair and given two signed shirts. Last night the soldier — whose brother Christopher, nine, joined him at the game — said: “I’ll never forget it.
British Challenger II tank in Iraq
Picture: REUTERS
“I was a bit awe-struck meeting Frank and all the other stars, but they all made me feel so much at home.
“I love Chelsea and it gave me a great thrill going out on operations with the flag flying. It was a real morale-booster.”
England ace Frank, 28, said: “Steve has shown unbelievable bravery to overcome his injury the way he has. I hope his coming to the game helped that process in some way.”
Steve, who joined the Army in 2004, deployed to Iraq last November. His was the lead tank in a convoy when intelligence pinpointed a Basra house, believed to be full of insurgents.
He said: “Next thing I knew there was a massive explosion.
“I stood up and my leg just collapsed under me. My comrades pulled me out through the turret. Then it all went blank.
“I woke up two days later in the hospital and I’ve been there ever since. Despite losing my leg, I’m making good progress.”
The hit was the insurgents’ first success against a Challenger.
General Sir Antony Walker, a former Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, said: “The levels of protection and fire control in Challenger are second to none. This unlucky hit has done nothing to shake the faith of the crews in their vehicles.
“I am delighted that we were able to help Shiny’s morale with a trip to Chelsea, using some of the money which Sun readers gave to a fighting fund last year. The Regiment will continue to support him as he convalesces.”
thesun.co.uk
Hero who lost his leg in Iraq meets his Chelsea idols at football match
Idol ... Chris, British soldier Steve and Chelsea and England's Frank Lampard at a Chelsea game and, inset, Steve who joined Army in 2004
May 16, 2007
THE ROYAL TANK REGIMENT
A HERO squaddie who flew the Chelsea flag as he lost his leg in Iraq has met his soccer idols — thanks to The Sun.
Steve Shiner, 23, had his entire left leg amputated after insurgents blew up his Challenger II tank.
He had been displaying the beloved Blues’ flag he always took out on manoeuvres.
Trooper Steve — dubbed Shiny by pals — was evacuated to a Birmingham hospital.
But members of 2 Royal Tank Regiment told the forces’ favourite newspaper how meeting his Stamford Bridge heroes would boost his morale.
And, with the help of Chelsea bosses, we arranged for him to attend Sunday’s game with Everton — where he met number one idol Frank Lampard and other stars.
Steve, of Paddington, West London, was taken on to the pitch in his wheelchair and given two signed shirts. Last night the soldier — whose brother Christopher, nine, joined him at the game — said: “I’ll never forget it.
British Challenger II tank in Iraq
Picture: REUTERS
“I was a bit awe-struck meeting Frank and all the other stars, but they all made me feel so much at home.
“I love Chelsea and it gave me a great thrill going out on operations with the flag flying. It was a real morale-booster.”
England ace Frank, 28, said: “Steve has shown unbelievable bravery to overcome his injury the way he has. I hope his coming to the game helped that process in some way.”
Steve, who joined the Army in 2004, deployed to Iraq last November. His was the lead tank in a convoy when intelligence pinpointed a Basra house, believed to be full of insurgents.
He said: “Next thing I knew there was a massive explosion.
“I stood up and my leg just collapsed under me. My comrades pulled me out through the turret. Then it all went blank.
“I woke up two days later in the hospital and I’ve been there ever since. Despite losing my leg, I’m making good progress.”
The hit was the insurgents’ first success against a Challenger.
General Sir Antony Walker, a former Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, said: “The levels of protection and fire control in Challenger are second to none. This unlucky hit has done nothing to shake the faith of the crews in their vehicles.
“I am delighted that we were able to help Shiny’s morale with a trip to Chelsea, using some of the money which Sun readers gave to a fighting fund last year. The Regiment will continue to support him as he convalesces.”
thesun.co.uk