A HERO soldier who removed his body armour to try and rescue a comrade killed a year ago in Afghanistan is taking part in an 11-day fundraising walk  in his memory.

Private Lewis Murphy of the Yorkshire Regiment, was presented with the Queen's Commendation for Bravery QCB after taking off his protective vest and helmet to carry Private Gregg Thomas Stone through a deep river to a waiting medical helicopter last June but he died from his injuries aged 20.

To mark the first anniversary of his death Pte Murphy is joining Pte Stone’s widow, Samantha, and the daughter he never met, four-month-old Grace, on a 274-mile walk in aid of The Yorkshire Regiment Charitable Trust.

Pte Murphy from Middlesbrough, who wronlgly identified on social networkin sites as the soldier killed in Woolwich, south-east London, this week, said: “It’s a big milestone for Sam and I think he would be proud that we are doing this walk in his name.

"It’s just a way to remember him. He was a good lad and he couldn’t wait to be a dad, he wouldn’t stop talking about it.

“He had the same principles as me, he was out there for his family and friends like every single soldier out there,” added the 25-year-old.

The memorial walk started today (Friday, May 24) from Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire where Pte Stone, from Hull, began his training and will finish at the home of his regiment in Warminster, Wiltshire, on June 3, the first anniversary of his death.

Mrs Stone said has so far raised £1,600 of her £5,000 target for the Yorkshire Regiment Charitable Trust charity supports soldiers in need of financial help and their families.

“As the country looks to the withdrawal of British combat troops in 2014, this is a chance to remember Gregg and the 440 others like him who have given their lives in service in Afghanistan, and the thousands who face life changing injuries.”

“Anyone who wishes to join me on this journey please do. The journey will take 11 days and your support on any day will make a difference.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/274mile-journey-home.