Dog helps blinded ex-soldier

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April 13, 2009

A 23-year-old soldier left blind after an insurgent attack in Iraq said he has found "a great companion" after training with a new guide dog.

Craig Lundberg lost his sight in March 2007 fighting off attackers who struck his unit in Basra.

The former lance corporal from Liverpool was mentioned in dispatches for his bravery during the onslaught, which took place during an operation to snatch paramilitaries.

After recuperating in hospital, Mr Lundberg applied for a guide dog and was teamed up with a two-year-old Labrador Retriever cross called Hugo.

Following weeks of training, the pair are now living together at Mr Lundberg's home in Walton, Liverpool. "The big advantage of a guide dog is companionship. Hugo is a great companion," Mr Lundberg said.

"I also get around much quicker, going naturally around obstacles. I know that Hugo is going to be a big part of my life. And I am really pleased about that."

Mr Lundberg joined the Army in 2002 and served two tours of Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. He became a lance corporal in charge of an eight man section and qualified as a sniper before the attack in Basra two years ago.

"Two rocket propelled grenades ripped into me. I nearly lost my left arm. It was broken in two places. My face was shredded, and my cheek was fractured. I lost my left eye... and my right eye has so much shrapnel in it that I can't see," Mr Lundberg recalled.

The 23-year-old has kept busy by fundraising for a number of worthy causes, including the Guide Dogs charity.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We are humbled by the inspirational example that Craig Lundberg has set through his tireless charity work. We know he is still in touch with his old platoon and regularly invites them to his fund-raising events."