A SOLDIER who came 'back from the dead' after recovering from appalling injuries following an explosion in Afghanistan has been inspiring forces personnel in the region.

Derek Derenalagi was severely wounded in 2007 whilst clearing a helicopter landing site, losing both legs in the IED explosion. He was pronounced dead at Camp Bastion; however doctors found a faint pulse and he was operated on and returned to the UK.

Since then he has battled against all odds to fight back to fitness, representing Team GB at the 2012 Paralympics and winning two gold medals at this year’s Invictus Games.

He was given a standing ovation after sharing his moving life story with personnel at 90 Signals Unit at RAF Leeming, near Bedale, during a team building event at the base.

The ex-serviceman told how he grew up in Fiji, where he swam across a river to get to school for eight years before joining the British Army in 1999, and his efforts to build a new life following his devastating injuries.

Captain David Rowland, Commanding Officer 90 Signals Unit said: “ I have no doubt that all on the unit were moved by the leadership, management and above all courage shown by Derek. It provides an example to us all in that whatever we may encounter in our duties we all have the values, strength and ethos to overcome adversity.”

Other guest speakers were former airman Al Sylvester, leader of Exercise Southern Reach; the RAF’s first unsupported attempt to reach the South Pole; and James Bannerman, an author and speaker on organisational creativity and business innovation.