'Shujaa' wa Beckham akatwa miguu

Ryan, who met soccer's David Beckham during the star's morale-boosting trip to Afghanistan in May, was on patrol in Sangin when he and his mates were ambushed.

As they ran for cover 18-year-old Ryan stepped on an IED mine. He heard a click, and then a beep before it exploded.

Ryan, of 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment, had his legs amputated by medics on the battlefield.

Becks, 35, who posed with Ryan and signed his boots, last night sent a heart-warming get well message. He said;

"I was sad to hear of Ryan's injuries. I was honoured to meet him in Afghanistan. He is an incredibly brave person and I want to wish him well in his recovery."

Angela, 37, and dad Graham, 39, of Burnage, Manchester, learned of Ryan's injuries as they arrived in Morocco on the first day of a holiday.

They were met by a military representative as they checked into their hotel.

As well as losing his legs, Ryan had molten shrapnel peppered into his face and hands, he lost a finger and his spine, jaw and eye socket were fractured.

Recalling the moment she heard what had happened, Angela said:

"When I had the tap on the shoulder it was the worst feeling a mother can have. I was screaming and shouting, my legs wouldn't support me. I was inconsolable. All I wanted was to get back to him."

The couple flew home the same day Ryan was returned to Britain and were driven straight to the Forces' dedicated wing at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Ryan was in a coma for 12 days and doctors gave him just a 50 per cent chance of survival.

Angela said: "It took four attempts over 12 days for the doctors and nurses to wake him properly. The first time he came round he thought he was still in Afghanistan.

It was when he woke in the night that he realised the extent of his injuries and was distraught. But when he spoke to us I could see the positives for the first time."

Dad Graham said:

"He's already sat himself upright on the bed and told us he's eager to get in a wheelchair and start his rehab. He's very determined."

Also at his bedside have been brothers Tom, 15, Alex, 13, and sister Emily, 17. Tom said: "I'm so proud of him. He is my hero."